Cropwell Bishop Show 2015 (13-6-15)
For a Show Leaflet for the 2015 Cropwell Bishop Show, click on its title in the Download section on the right. You can also download an Entry Form too. Both are in pdf format and can easily be printed.
Tony Jarrow
Allotment Life (12-6-15)
Five years ago our Allotment Site was just a field of grass. Look how the plot holders have changed it into an oasis for growing vegetables, fruit, flowers and animals. Also a place for enjoying the outdoors and being 'away from it all'.
Tony Jarrow
Reap all the benefits of your own allotment plot (20-3-14)
The days are getting longer, brighter and warmer: that means plants will be eager to grow again. Those of us who have a plot on the Cropwell Bishop Allotment site know that the effort you put into growing our own vegetables and fruit will result in food that you know is fresh and free of harmful chemicals.
Then there is the satisfaction of seeing the high price of fresh food in the supermarkets, knowing that you have got even better produce on your plot for free. You soon realise that the annual cost of having an allotment is soon covered by the savings you make when shopping.
Then there is the joy of opening the freezer in the winter months and picking out carrots, beetroots, raspberries and whatever else you froze in the summer.
Of course, you do have to do some physical exercise in digging and weeding and, later on, picking your strawberries, beans, rhubarb, apples, etc, but you just look upon that as another saving: instead of paying to go to the gym you get your exercise for free!
There was a time when allotments were the place to see retired men plodding around. Not any more: you are just as likely to see a young mum with her children. All kinds of people are making use of allotments to, not only grow food, but also escape from the sound of television and all the other pressures of modern life. Think of them as a place to grow crops and also for you to grow calmer.
This is the time of year when plot holders renew their subscription and, as always, there are a few who, because of a change in personal circumstances, choose not to continue. As a result we have several vacant plots that are available for rent.
Because everyone's needs and available time are different we are happy for people to have the kind of plot that best suits them. Some people want the space available on a full-size plot (25m x 10m) while others prefer a half-size plot. It may be that you would like to share a plot with friends, for example having splitting a full-size plot into three (a third plot each), possibly sharing a single shed. We want you to enjoy the pleasure of an allotment plot without you overstretching yourself.
We currently have a range of different vacant plots; full-size (£60pa), half-size (£32pa), plots with fencing, plots with sheds, plots that have been cultivated and plots that are grassy, plots with fruit trees ..... something to suit everyone. These surrounding pictures give you an idea of what there is but the best way of assessing your options is a guided tour. To arrange this, phone me (0115-989 3178) or email me at:
amjarrowatmacdotcom
Remember, it is "first come, first served".
Tony Jarrow
Bird's Eye View (12-6-13)
Our Allotments from above: from Google Earth. Taken about 2010 I would guess.
Tony Jarrow
Big Lottery and Balfour Beatty (5-5-11)
During the winter months it was impossible to gain access to the allotment site on Fern Hill because the grassy field was so muddy and slippy—several cars became stuck.
To avoid the problem again next year, the allotment committee decided to ask for help. It decided that by covering the grassy area beyond the gate with a purpose made plastic mesh, an all-weather parking area could be created making it safe to drive onto even during the wet seasons, yet be virtually invisible. It was calculated that this would cost £5,622.
An application was made to the Big Lottery Fund through the 'Awards for All' scheme—and it was approved: we have been awarded the full amount! Work is due to be completed during early summer.
Whilst awaiting a decision from 'Awards for All', the continuing wet weather in February made us realise that the heavily used patch of ground near the gate entrance might need extra reinforcement and drainage. An approach to Balfour Beatty—who are building the new A46 road—was looked upon extremely favourably by liaison manager, Pam Hobson, and the local Road Team Manager. They offered to 'toughen up' this area through the use of hardcore and improved drainage. This work is due to be completed during May.
These improvements follow on from the recently installed gates and the laying of a footpath to the site, which were both funded by Nottinghamshire County Council. We thank these organisations for all they are doing to make Cropwell Bishop an even better place to live.
Tony Jarrow
It's now official: the allotments are open! (2-5-11)
This morning we had a ceremony that marked the official opening of the Cropwell Bishop Allotments site—and its first birthday! Strange but true.
Because the site was opened in a rush last May, there was no time to cut the ribbon, but today we did just that. Alan Wilson, Chairman of the Parish Council, who was instrumental in finding a suitable site and enabling the Allotment Committee to establish the Cropwell Bishop Association was invited to make the cut.
By 10.15am, Around 50 people had made the journey up to Fern Hill and they were immediately rewarded with blue skies and brilliant sunshine. Tony Jarrow described how the Allotment Asscociation came into being and the role that Alan played in making it happen. Alan was praised for his community spirit and unselfishness and for encouraging a "let's try it" attitude in the village. He was presented with a small hamper of food and drink from local shops.
Prior to Alan cutting (with garden shears) the ribbon stretched between the gate posts, Catrin Styles presented Tony Jarrow with a surprise gift from the plot holders in recognition of his efforts in getting the site established. This was very much appreciated.
Then it was time to party and committee members were on hand to serve free drinks and nibbles to everyone. While Catrin, Ryan, Sally, Matt, Lisa and Sarah served food and drinks, sausages were being grilled by Tom on his barbecue. Soon everyone was clutching a hot dog and supping a drink as they wandered around the site. For once, members had the time to socialise and talk to each other: there will be plenty of time for weeding and digging later in the week.
With the site being open to the public (today only) many non-members could be seen exploring the site. A wonderful day for all: can't wait for the second birthday!
Tony Jarrow
