CoViD 19 EWAA shop plans

Owing to the CoViD 19 pandemic, the ewaa shop has had to close. However we still have some stock and our suppliers still seem to be able to take orders and deliver. So we’d like to see if its feasible to run an occasional email and deliver to plot service.

Initially we’d like plot holders to email the shop@ewaa.org.uk with any requests for orders. We’ll then review what’s been requested (possibly after a few days) and reply back with a confirmation of what’s available, how much it’ll cost, and ewaa bank account details, to take bacs payments (we will not accept cash or card payments). We’ll then check the bank after a period of time and deliver (it will not be practical to chase for payments, so please pay ontime to avoid missing the window).

Depending on stock there may be a delay for deliveries. Demand, will determine the frequency we can provide the service.

We are considering providing some things not normally stocked in the shop such as seed compost, tomato bags and carrot seed and shed repair materials, so do ask.

Covid-19 Pandemic: EWAA Emergency Measures

“Covid-19 Pandemic: EWAA Emergency Measures

The following changes come into effect immediately and will remain until further notice:

  1. Membership: New membership of the allotment association is now closed until further notice.  Our current waiting list will be recorded and retained and then processed when our membership reopens with the ending of the pandemic.  This is to protect the health of our membership officers.
  2. Shop: The shop will be closed until further notice to protect the health of our members and shop volunteers.  The EWAA committee will be exploring the possibility of setting up a virtual shop, subject to availability of stock and supply chains being able to fulfill orders.  If this moves forward, deliveries will be direct to plots.
  3. Social Distancing Rules – all separate households keeping at least 2 metres apart – will be strictly enforced on site.  Plot holders not observing these public health rules will receive a verbal and/or written warning from allotment officers and the committee.  A second report of such behaviour will result in the plot holder being asked to give up their plot without further notice.  Children are to remain with adult plot holders in the same household at all times.  Established helpers who are not named plot holders (or household members) that are not currently registered with the Membership Officer will need to notified to the EWAA in the next 7 days and will need to observe social distancing rules at all times.

These measures were agreed by an emergency committee meeting held on 24 March 2020.  They will be revised periodically by the EWAA committee according to any changes in advice from Public Health England and other government bodies.

Social Distancing Rules

The government has issued clear guidelines that are to protect vulnerable members of our community, social distancing needs to be followed by everyone.

The National Trust overnight has now closed its parks and gardens due to people not following these rules and behaving as though they are on holiday.

For us to keep open as an allotment association it depends on on all of our members keeping a safe distance from others.

in practice this should mean that each plot holder and any of their household should keep at least 2m away from other plot holders. In addition hands need to be washed for 20 seconds after opening and closing the entrance gates. There is soap in the toilet block. water supplies are now turned on.

I was on the site all day yesterday and unfortunately not everyone has yet understood the urgency to follow these rules. This is endangering the ability of the NHS to treat those hospitalised with COVID-19 and indeed everyone accessing treatment.

An emergency committee meeting is being held this week to discuss compliance on our site.

If these rules are not followed then we have no option other than to consider closing the allotment for all further access.

Chris Clifford

Chair, East Ward Allotment Association

COVID-19 PANDEMIC TO ALL MEMBERS

Everyone will be aware of the quickly developing situation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and it’s impact in England.

Our Association is now in regular contact with the Oxford and District Federation of Allotment Associations as we consider how we may need to change the way in which our association operates in the months ahead.

We cannot give public health advise. All members should follow this themselves through media broadcasts and the internet.

For now, many members will want to continue normal allotment gardening on their own plots and make sure that plots remain well maintained and are productive in the months ahead especially now as we are entering the main growing season.

For this to work we need to respect each other’s space and the fact that some members may not wish to have the normal social contact that we enjoy especially if they are in those groups that the government have said need to take social distancing measures.

The committee will be in regular communication to see how we need to respond – for instance, whether the shop can remain open as normal, whether we need to suspend normal cultivation guidelines or respond to any changing public health advice.

Please keep checking the website for up-to-date information.

Plot Inspection Seed Swop Work Party

Dear All,

Plot Inspections are now the 21st & 22nd March.

Seed Swop– a new idea, bring your spare seeds to the shop on Sundays & do a swop, the shop is now open 10am-12pm from 15th March.

Work party– come & join fellow plot holders to clear overgrown areas & rubbish on Sunday 10th May 10-12pm, 1-3pm and Sunday 17th 10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm, refreshments provided.

Free-Bean Poles available from recent coppicing at the nature reserve, please help yourself from next to the reserve.

Free-Big pile of wood chip in the car park on Cricket Road, come & help yourselves.