At this time of year the EWAA Committee traditionally calls for volunteers to help with autumn jobs such as cutting back bramble in the car parks, litter picking, and tidying the hedgerows. This type of group activity is not possible during the current lockdown, but when restrictions are lifted we will contact all allotment-holders to ask for help with these site maintenance tasks.
EWAA Shop Closed in November
Due to the new lockdown the allotment shop will not open on Sunday mornings this month. If it proves possible to take orders from our members, instructions will be posted on the website.
Strimmer found in bushes
I have found a strimmer in the bushes in the Boundary Brook nature reserve, which I assume was dumped there after the shed break-ins earlier in the month. If anyone has lost a strimmer, please contact me on jtwillis@gmail.com.
Please join us at the EWAA 2020 AGM – Thursday, 29th October, 7.30 pm
An invitation to the online AGM (via Zoom) has been emailed to all plot-holders. You’ll be able to join the meeting from a computer, a tablet, or a smart phone. If you haven’t seen the message please look in your junk or spam folder, and if you don’t find the invitation send an email to membership@ewaa.org.uk confirming your plot number.
During the AGM attendees will be able to ask questions. Allotment members can also submit questions in advance by email sent to chair@ewaa.org.uk.
No Mains Water During Winter Months
Just a reminder that the water supply to the allotment troughs normally goes off when the clocks change, so this will happen on Sunday 25th October this year.
Shed break-ins
There has been a spate of break-ins on the allotment site over the last couple of days. Please let Chris Clifford know if your shed or greenhouse has been broken into, and if anything has been stolen or broken. The email address to use is chair@ewaa.org.uk
COVID: Oxford Red Alert
Many members will be aware that Oxford has now been pushed to ‘red alert’ status, due to the rising rate of infection.
This is a reminder for us all to take additional care when on the allotment site to:
- wash hands regularly, and especially on entering and leaving the site
- keep at least two metres away from people who we do not live with
Plot-holders must under no circumstances go onto another plot without the explicit invitation of the other plot-holder.
Children and visitors must be supervised at all times by the plot-holder who brought them onto the site.
Please be aware that these rules may need to change if the infection rate increases in coming weeks, so keep checking the website and be alert for any emails from the Association.
Thank you for your cooperation in these challenging times.
Chris Clifford
Chair, EWAA
Suspension of Shop Lane Vehicle Access
Vehicle access to the site’s shop lane will be suspended from 8:00 am this coming Saturday (3rd October) until mid-day on Monday (5th October), to allow Oxford Direct Services and their engineers to upgrade our water supply inspection chamber cover.
We apologise for any inconvenience.
Chris Clifford
Chair, EWAA
Bonfires update
The City Council has recently updated its guidelines regarding bonfires on allotment sites. The advice against having bonfires has now been withdrawn, so our published rules are back in place. These are available on the EWAA website (https://ewaa.org.uk/rules-and-info/).
In summary:
- do not light bonfires on Sundays or public holidays
- only light bonfires after 6pm or dusk, if earlier
- only burn dry plant material
EWAA Annual General Meeting 2020
This year the AGM will take place on Thursday 29th October 2020, between 7.30-8.30pm.
Due to current government COVID regulations, this meeting will take place via Zoom videoconferencing.
All registered plot holders will receive an agenda and further details in advance.