Mikron Theatre's latest performance 'Pure', at Scarcroft Allotments

We are over-the-moon to once again welcome Mikron Theatre to Scarcroft Allotments for the fifth time...
And even better - linking in with York's chocolate heritage, they will be performing the premiere of their latest production, 'Pure, The Business of Chocolate'. If you haven't yet seen Mikron's unique story telling, witty performances then this is a must; and if you have, well we're confident that this latest offering will tickle your taste buds just as before.

Tuesday 7th June at 7pm on the green triangle, Scarcroft Allotments.
No tickets required. Cash collection to be taken after the show

Gardener's Question Time review

The recording of BBC Radio 4's Gardener's Question Time at Clements Hall on Monday 18th April proved to be as entertaining and informative as any gardener could wish for. The buzz of anticipation was apparent as we queued up outside the venue early that evening - sharing the wording of our questions and pondering upon whom may be on the panel to answer those who were lucky enough (and brave) to be selected. It was a full house, all tickets sold out within 48 hours of going on sale the previous week, the audience was keen...

Yet, the backstory of how we came to this point will not be known by many. It was more than three years ago that committee member, Sarah Austin first proposed the Association put in an application to the BBC. So together the committee put their collective heads together and duly submitted one. Nothing was heard and it was assumed we had been unsuccessful... that is until the Beeb phoned Graham Sanderson (Chair) just 4 weeks prior to the proposed recording date. Emails flew in all directions... could we deliver in such a short time frame? After meeting with Linda Speidel, manager of Clements Hall, it was clear everyone was on board and keen to proceed. After a successful sound check by the BBC's technical crew we were given the green light... the cat was out of the bag and the horse was running (or is it the other way round?) Tickets went on sale and the rest is history. Our heartfelt thanks are due to Judith and her team at Clements Hall for taking up this unexpected challenge and tackling it so brilliantly and with such enthusiasm. Thanks are also due to Scarcroft School for the loan of their staging, and to all other individuals whose contributions made this event proceed so smoothly.

So what of the recording...?
The questions from ten intrepid participants were selected, and they were duly seated along the front row. The scene was set, the producer had done his warm-up act, and the panel was introduced...

Chaired by Eric Robson, the panel comprised, Matthew Wilson, Christine Walkden and Bob Flowerdew, each tackling the questions, 'discussing the purposes and positives of show gardens and advising on how to get the most out of supermarket herbs. They also recommend climbing plants fit for adorning a child's climbing frame and unusual plants to put in raised planters' (www.bbc.co.uk). To hear all questions and answers, the airing of the programme can still be heard here on BBC iplayer.

The recording also provided an interesting insight into how the programme itself was constructed. There was the occassional break in questions for the chair, Eric Robson to say specific pieces, such as his link to the recording made at York Minster earlier that day, as well as the re-recording of brief pieces of speaking.

The airing of the programme took place on 29th April. It was only through listening to it that everything fell into place, including the significance of making a recording in York. For we learned that the concept and design of Matthew Wilson's garden at Chelsea Flower show was inspired by the Minster's medieval Great East Window, and is titled, 'God's Own County - A Garden For Yorkshire'.

To sum up, it was a memorable evening's entertainment born out of a tiny seed planted three years previously, that was well nurtured to the point of harvest, and then supported and consumed by our city wide gardening community.

Pumpkins Galore!

With pumpkin season well under way this is a timely reminder of an Allotment Pumpkin Challenge organised by the City of York Council. If you believe your pumpkins have what it takes, then why not pick up the gauntlet and get in touch with Darren Lovatt the council's Allotment Officer and register your interest. Judging takes place on 1st November, so don't delay... darren.lovatt@york.gov.uk

The photo below shows an impressive display of pumpkins laid out and hardening off at our local Brunswick organic nursery in Bishopthorpe. To see them in the flesh why not pop along to their 'Pumpple Festival' this Sunday 26th October, when they will be celebrating all things 'pumpkintastic' and 'applicious'. How can you not resist!!!
http://www.brunswickyork.org.uk/

Cycling & Allotments

There can be few people in Yorkshire not looking forward to next years Tour de France Grand Depart. It's going to be quite some party! Those lucky cyclists and visitors are going to be sampling some of the best countryside and hospitality in the country... or indeed the World. 

According to the Lonely Planet travel guides for 2014, Yorkshire has been named as the third top global region to visit! And we can't argue with that...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-24713858

Here in York, Stage 2 of Le Grand Depart begins just across the road from our Hospital Fields and Scarcroft allotment sites before heading into the city along Bishopthorpe Road. Check out the official route and zoom in for more detail...
http://letour.yorkshire.com/stage-2

Continuing the cycling theme, we're pleased to announce that the Hob Moor allotment site now also has 2 cycle stands. These have been provided for free by the lovely people at Parkthatbike
http://www.parkthatbike.com/freeStands.cfm

2014 Calendar

It's at the printers and will soon be on sale! 

Here's a sneak preview of our 2014 Calendar and it's looking great with thanks to all those who contributed photos to this community project. It will be on sale in the allotment shop by the end of the month priced £5 (what a splendid Christmas gift!!) 

Once again we're fortunate to be supported by our fabulous local businesses: Pextons, Frankie and Johnny's & The Good Food Shop all on Bishopthorpe Road, who will also be selling the calendar for us.

Member's photographs

Here are just a few photos taken by members of the association.  If you'd like to email in any of your pictures that would be great! It's always nice to see what's going on elsewhere - a bit like peering over the garden wall!

If we receive enough photos we will once again be compiling an association calendar 2014 
Please email your pics to: scarcroftallotments@live.co.uk

Sarah Austin

Iris Wells

Eric Leadley

Sally Hayes

Bee safari review

Saturday afternoon saw an intrepid & elite group of wildlife stalkers do battle with heat and flies as they traipsed through Scarcroft allotments on a quest to discover more about the local bee population. Alison Reboul of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust courageously led the troup on the safari pointing out nest sites and identifying different types of bumblebee along the way. Unlike the honey bee, the greatest threat to a bumblebee's survival is the loss of habitat. It was therefore of particular interest which flowers were the most beneficial and what sort of conditions encourage nesting. 

The afternoon proved to be really interesting and informative, as well as a great way to relax and take time out from all the other allotment jobs. To round off the afternoon, there was a choice of four different types of honey cake and biscuits, all washed down with home made redcurrant syrup!

For more information on the Bumblebee Conservation Trust please see the following link: http://bumblebeeconservation.org/

Identifying a bumblebee 

Honey bees on borage

Honey bee hive
(apparently full of honey!)

Bumblebee on roses

Bumblebees on lavender

Cycle stands!

Four new cycle stands have been installed by volunteers on the Scarcroft allotment site... and they look great! 

There has long been a desperate need for this provision, with cycles being locked to bits of fencing, drain pipes, gates etc. Happily cyclists can now confidently secure their bikes whilst visiting their plots or the allotment shop. The stands are spaced to accommodate panniers and trailers and it is hoped that they will encourage even more people to cycle to Scarcroft.

On the occasions when you do need to bring a vehicle to the site then there are still 6 generous parking spaces for cars and vans.

Wildlife Event

Well, this hot weather is certainly producing some very fragrant flowers in the allotment and garden. So what better time is there to do a spot of bumble and honey bee investigating? 

... And whilst we're talking wildlife, what about checking out some pond life too? Dragon and Mayflies, pond skaters, newts, water snails... 

Come along to Scarcroft Allotment's shop on Saturday 20th July at 3.30pm to wander the site with Sara Robin of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and Bumblebee Conservation Trust volunteer, Alison Reboul. Finish the afternoon off relaxing in the sun with a cup of tea and honey cake on the green triangle. 

(All contributions of cake and biscuits gratefully received)

Surveying buried remains!

Here is a great opportunity to help discover what exactly is below the turf of the green triangle at Scarcroft allotments.

We walk and barrow over it, picnic upon it, meet at it, are entertained upon it, cycle through it, play music upon it, sit in its sunshine...

...But has it always been used this way?

Hannah Baxter of YAT and its Plotting the Past project is returning to Scarcroft to conduct a geophysical survey of the green triangle. If you're interested in being involved with this event just turn up: 

Friday 16th August 10am - 4pm

Mikron Theatre, 'Beyond The Veil' review

The scene on the Scarcroft allotment green at 7pm on Wednesday 29th was reminiscent of a typical British summer festival. An audience of around 60 people wrapped up in blankets and waterproofs, sheltered under a large canopy of eight gazebos, whilst the sky progressively darkened with the promise of more rain. And then the four actors of Mikron Theatre began their opening song and we knew that whatever the weather that evening, we were in for a real treat. 

Mikron provided a skillful mix of wit, music, racy narrative and larger than life characters, in their telling of the murder of April May, a plot holder and bee keeper on Thistledale allotments. Detective Starkey, wearing trenchcoat and trilby, was responsible for solving this mystery, yet there was, "Something about this crazy case about as likely as a heatwave in Hull".

The play was set within the wider context of bee keeping, and so we were informed of the different lives of queen, worker and drone bees. In this respect a definite highlight was the song of the Drone Bee which had us all giggling and laughing over the top of the now steady rain drumming on the canvas above us.

Needless to say the mystery was solved at the end of an excellent evening's entertainment. And the rain did stop, just long enough to take down the gazebos and pack everything away. We now eagerly await 17th September when Mikron returns to York performing, 'Don't shoot the Messenger' at Clements Hall.

Mikron Theatre performance 'Beyond the Veil'

News of the eagerly anticipated return performance by the fantastic Mikron Theatre touring company. Scarcroft allotments is over the moon to be playing host to their latest production, 'Beyond the Veil' on Wednesday 29th May at 7.00pm

You may like to bring a chair and picnic for the event (refreshments will also be available)
And a collection will be taken after the performance
Any questions or offers of help please contact organiser Willy Hoedeman (details below)

To find out more about the Mikron Theatre group, you may like to check out their website http://www.mikron.org.uk/index.php#&panel1-1

DCI Mark Starkey thinks he’s got a quiet patch in sleepy Thistledale, but all that is about to change dramatically when there’s a sudden, unnatural death on the local allotment…

The grisly discovery down by the beehives is only the beginning for Detective Starkey. To unmask the murderer he must first uncover an altogether less savoury side of life in Thistledale; the bitter grudges, thwarted passions and murky pasts.

And then there are the bees.

The life of the honeybee might be described as one of great sweetness and harmony, punctuated by sudden, desperate, acts of violence. The same could be said for Thistledale.

Detective Starkey soon realises that the more he knows about bees, the closer he gets to the killer!

Poetry and Photography Event

We're really pleased to be hosting an event of 'Pictures and Words' at the Scarcroft Allotment site on Tuesday 16th April from 10.30 onwards. It is organised by Hannah Baxter of York Archaeological Trust and is part of her Plotting the Past community project. It is open to everyone with an interest in allotments, poetry, photography and archaeology, so if you're around please drop in for some, or all of the day. 

Look forward to seeing you there!

Onion Sets

At last... sunshine and the joys of Spring! Seeing the daffodils and crocuses appearing certainly lifts the spirits and focusses the mind on the coming growing season. If you're thinking of planting onion sets and shallots there's still time and they're on sale in the allotment shop.

White onion varieties of Sturon and Centurion £2.90 per kg
Red onion varieties of Red Baron and Red Karmen £3.20 per kg
Shallot varieties of Yellow Moon and Red Sun £3.30 per kg

Just pop in on Saturdays 13:30 - 15:30 and Sundays 10:00 - 12:00

Plotting The Past

Interested in finding out about the past and allotments?
Would you like to help record our allotments?
Hannah Baxter of York Archaeological Trust is undertaking a year long community project involving allotments across the city. She has many activities lined up including photography, site surveys, oral histories, archaeological finds identification and even film making.

The film idea is to follow several plots throughout this year as they evolve through the seasons. If you grow photogenic carrots, have a Tarantino streak in you, or cut a dash in your wellies and would like to be involved in anyway, just let Hannah know emailing: hbaxter@yorkat.co.uk

Autumn Social

We hope you can come and join us at our annual end of season social event at The Golden Ball, Friday 23rd November, 7.30pm onwards. Look forward to seeing you there!

2013 Calendar

Look out for the Scarcroft and District Allotment Association 2013 Calendar

On sale in the Allotment Shop, Pextons and Frankie & Johnny's Cook Shop on Bishopthorpe Road from first week in November. Priced £5 
Yes! Only £5 how's that for solving Christmas gift ideas.
Limited number printed so don't delay.

Once again this community project would not be possible without the photographic contributions from Association members and the support from our local businesses.

Bugs on Scarcroft Review

Despite Yorkshire being practically underwater on Friday 22nd June some hardy enthusiasts came to the very successful evening about small friends and foes on the allotments. Chris Malumphy from FERA was a very enthusiastic and knowlegeable visitor and told us lots about new invading pests which is his speciality, and helped us identify a number of insects and other invertebrates found on the site. Chris was impressed by how few pests we actually had, and suggested that the number of birds around was keeping down caterpillar numbers. 


We did find a few butterfly and moth caterpillars, Peacock caterpillars in particular. Peacock and related butterflies feed on nettles, a good reason to leave a few in a sunny position! Hopefully we will have some of these attractive butterflies on the site in a few weeks time.  More info http://www.butterfly-conservation.org/text/1758/the_peacock_butterfly.html

Peacock butterfly caterpillars on nettles

Mullein moth caterpillars on mullein

We also found the gardeners friend - the 7 spot ladybird and it was interesting to compare it to the Harlequin lady bird which we also found. Sadly it is possible that the introduced Harlequin lady bird will replace native ladybirds as it has in North America. We also delved briefly into the sex lives of aphids as we found some on sycamore and ragwort plants, both looked after by ants which tend the aphids and move them around so they can feed on the honeydew they produce. There were plenty of snails and slugs around although my new technique of putting sharp sand around my plants seems to be working!

Nail galls on a Sycamore leaf caused by tiny Aceria mites

Chris asked us to keep an eye open for a fairly new pest the Asian long horn beetle which has been found in Kent and is very damaging to wood and woodlands. More info  http://www.fera.defra.gov.uk/plants/plantHealth/pestsDiseases/asianLonghornBeetle/documents/pestAlert.pdf In future we may be contacted to look out for new pests as allotment sites could be a good place to spot them with lots of gardeners and a variety of crops.

Altogether a really interesting evening and many thanks to Chris and his son Daniel the most succesful bug hunter!

"Losing the Plot" on Scarcroft Allotments

Mikron Touring Theatre Company will be staging a free performance of their new show, ‘Losing the Plot’ at Scarcroft allotments at 7pm on Thursday 17th of May.

The producer, Peter Toon, is originally from York and is pleased to be bringing his unique theatre company to the City.

Mikron already have 60 venues booked for the 'Losing the Plot' tour, from Yorkshire down to Oxford and London.  But Scarcroft will be your nearest venue so don't miss this chance to see this great show.

The performance will start at 7pm. There are 40 seats available, or you can bring your own folding chairs if you don't have far to come.

If you are not bringing your own chairs, arrive early to be sure of a seat.

If the weather is less than summery, fear not - there will be gazebos aplenty to keep off any showers.

You can bring a picnic for the intermission, but soft drinks and simple snacks will be available on site for very reasonable prices.

As well as refreshments, there will also be "facilities" on site, for your enjoyment and relief at intermission time.

There is no admission charge for the performance.  However, the company will make a collection after the show so bring some change to show your appreciation.

There will be a 35 page full colour programme for sale, with play synopsis, lyrics of all the songs, and a quiz.

You may already have seen a poster on the notice board of your local allotment site, but meanwhile there’s a taste of the play here:

http://www.mikron.org.uk/plotBlurb.php


Losing the Plot is a play about Love, Life and Allotments.


The gardeners of Thistledale Allotments are a rag-bag bunch of diggers and dreamers. Strong personalities frequently clash over the best treatment for mealy bugs, and the annual 'Heaviest and Longest' competition is always a time when old feuds and new flirtations threaten to undermine the fragile peace.


Then Harvey from the Council pays them a visit and they realise that they must pull together, or forfeit their precious plot forever. But can they agree on a strategy? How will they convince Harvey of the vital role allotments have played in the life of the nation for centuries? What will they do when things inevitably get completely out of hand?


Told with a rollicking mix of old music hall tunes and brand new songs, Losing The Plot is a story of love - between people and the land; between people and people; and between people and their giant vegetables.



You can learn mote about Mikron and the work they do from their site:

www.mikron.org.uk

Archaeological Identification Event - 21st April

Archaeological Identification Day with “Bone” Jones

Saturday 21^st April

Andrew “Bone” Jones, from the York Archaeological Trust, will be on the Scarcroft site on Saturday 21^st April.

"Bone" will be available to identify any historic finds dug up from your own plots or gardens.

If the weather is nice we also hope to be able to venture out for some real-life archaeology on the Scarcroft site.

This should be a great event for adults and children alike.

We will be meeting at The Allotment Association's shop on Scarcroft at 14:00.

You can bring along any potential treasures for identification between 14:00 and 16:00.

Here's a little of what "Bone" has to say about his work and his passion for Archaeology, taken from the University of York website:

“Archaeology grabbed me as a fusion of practical activity and thinking about the meaning of your finds. And then there's the great joy of discovery. Introducing archaeology to children has been a big part of my life. It's too interesting just to leave it to academics! Everyone can relate to a find like a shoe or a sock - it brings the past to life. At the York Archaeological Trust we have an experiential, hands-on approach to education.”

You can find out more about the York Archaeological Trust here:

http://www.yorkarchaeology.co.uk/

Hope to see you, and your artefacts, at Scarcroft on the 21^st!