The Trading Hut will not be open this Sunday.
We are still awaiting deliveries of compost and country natural. We have sold out of seed potatoes but the volunteers of the greenhouse team have been working exceptionally hard in pricking out and potting on several hundred vegetable and tomatoe plants including, courgette, squash and pumpkin’s. Our second greenhouse is now operational and when we do reopen, we will have plenty for everyone.
Opening times for the duration of this crisis will change. I think it would be during the week, perhaps a couple of times with, say two in and two out. Exact details have not yet been decided. Members would be asked to wear gloves and after using our barrows etc. they would be sanitized before the next user, our barrows, not members. Details of opening times will be posted on growchiswick.org which is a quicker way of getting information out to members. By signing up you will get automatic updates to your inbox of the revised opening times. The Trading Hut will be open for current members only at this time and I would suggest that if you have not renewed your membership for 2020, and some 120 have not, you go onto growchiswick.org and renew now. If you are not sure of your status you can contact me.
Payments at the Trading Hut will be by card only during this time.
We have made some alterations to our layout so that everyone can shop and pay by keeping 2 meters apart.
The members who use our Trading Hut are by and large very sensible with many being over 70 years of age and aware of the importance to keep their distance. They also know that seeds and compost are not basic essentials like food and water to keep them alive, but they are conscious of the fact that their allotment may be their lifeline in the long term if they want fresh organic vegetables, fruit etc. and in the short term essential to their mental health and fitness.
If you are one of the million and a half people who have been advised not to go out under any circumstances for up to twelve weeks, please let me know. There are several other members who have already stated that they would only be too willing to ensure that your plot does not fall into disrepair and if you have already planted crops will ensure they stay watered. I will contact you personally and discuss any worries you may have about your plot.
I would remind all members only to access their plots via there own paths and not wander across other people plots. There is always a risk that they may touch something on the plot which could contaminate the plot holder if they themselves are infected. Besides it is good manners to keep to your own plot.
With children off school, several members are taking their children down the plot with them. Please remember the social distancing rules and ensure that when on site your children remain on your plot and do not play on the road or go onto other people’s plots.
Remember wash your hand regularly and use gloves when you access your site, and if you use the water taps.
Keep well!!!
Dennis Flaherty
Allotment Secretary