The response from members offering help was overwhelming and I would like to thank all those who made them. I will be in contact as the situation progresses. You may recall I mentioned using gloves to unlock/lock the padlock, but I forget to mention using the same measures when using the tap. The water was turned on all sites on Thursday. Not all taps have been checked to ensure they are working and not leaking. Please let me know as soon as possible if there is a problem with yours. If your tap is not working, it may be because there is a leak and the stopcock at the back of the tap has been turned off. In these circumstances, turn the stopcock on, use the tap and then turn it off again until repairs have been carried out.
Some members, who have underlying health problems and are carrying out the full twelve weeks self-isolation at home, have written to me concerning this year’s plot inspection which would normally take place around Easter. I have spoken to the Council suggesting that they be postponed indefinitely, until the Coronavirus situation becomes clearer. The heavy and prolonged rain also meant that many of us were unable to get on our plots until much later than usual. I am pleased to say that they have agreed with my suggestion and the inspections have been postponed. I will of course keep you informed of any further developments.
Chiswick School, photo from The Chiswick Herald, who have an allotment on Burial Ground, will be open to a limited number of pupils and because of the varied age group their curriculum will be adjusted to take this into account. They would like to undertake more hands-on lessons, craft, cooking etc. and want to be able to give pupils a sense of achievement by doing something that is rewarding. To this end both pupils and staff will be spending more time on the allotment and after getting their own plot in a first-class condition will be tackling the long-neglected wildlife garden. CHAS will supply them with all the seeds and compost they require under our schools’ scheme and in line with our charitable aims. They originally had sufficient funds to purchase their own equipment, but with the need to feed and look after the more vulnerable pupils by proving meals etc., their financial priorities have rightly changed. So, if you have any surplus tools, forks, trowels, spades etc. they would be most appreciated and can be left at the trading hut. Similarly, with food. I have offered them my crop of rhubarb that they can cook and make crumble or whatever. If you have anything, and I know this time of the year there is not much about, that would be appreciated, and I will pick it up and deliver it to the school.