Whetstone Stray Allotments Newsletter August 2015
August Newsletter
70th Annual Show Schedule
Thank you for all the positive feedback received by Angela for the new Show Schedule.
The Annual Show is a mix of old and new, with great new classes, and the return of traditional baking and flower arrangement classes. There are now creative classes for adults, as well as children.
We think there is something for everyone, young and old, and it is great fun to take part.
Look out for the new Show Schedule which will be emailed separately. The Schedule and entry form is also available in the Trading Hut.
Barnet Allotments Federation August Show
If you can’t wait for our own Show, you can enter the Barnet Allotment Federation (BAF) Horticultural Show, on Saturday 22 August 2015 at Rathbone Allotments with setting up on Friday 21st.
Entry forms are available in the Trading Hut.
August Barbecue
There could be a Barbecue this month, if there are any plot holders who are good at grilling, and want to make it happen. So far, no one has expressed an interest. There are funds available for food and drink for this event, if anyone wants to make it happen
If any plot holders are interested in arranging this, there is still time: either email, or call the Allotment phone: 07546 279631
Toilet Update
After extensive research, we have decided to opt for a Swedish designed composting toilet. We found a cheaper supplier, which means that the lottery grant now covers two toilets, one disabled access near the Trading Hut, and a smaller one in the Field 3 car parking area.
We are now awaiting final go ahead from Barnet Council, fingers crossed we will have the toilets in place for our Annual Show in September!
Trading Hut Supplies
We’ve had a lot of queries (and some grumbles) about stock, but no one offered to help unload a delivery, so we couldn’t make a big order. The Shop had a small delivery of organic compost in July, and will be able to order more, if there are people available to help unload.
Please get in touch to let us know if you can help out on a Wednesday or Thursday afternoon this month.
Rubbish
Many thanks to Vanya, who kindly took away most of the rubbish dumped, by someone else, in the parking area of Holden Road Field. She was unable to lift and carry the rubble, so if anyone would like to remove this, please help yourself.
Would whoever is responsible for the big trolley type object left on Field 2 parking area, please remove it.
The next rubbish collection will be in October, please keep the site tidy until then.
Bonfires
Bonfires are only allowed on the first Wednesday in August, after 4pm – Wednesday 5th August.
Shop
The shop is open in the Trading Hut on Sundays from 10am – 12pm.
Jacquie’s tips for August
Tomatoes : continue feeding with Tomato feed (available in the Trading Hut), or seaweed liquid (organic option). Pinch out side shoots to concentrate the plants energy to forming fruits.
Beware : blight is a high risk, so do what you can to avoid it. Blighted tomatoes are blackened and inedible. If you are growing tomatoes outside, and notice brown spots on the stems, take action quickly to stop the spread of blight to your neighbours. Bag blighted plants, seal the bag and remove from the site as soon as possible.
Potatoes : You will be lifting potatoes by now. Try not to leave even the tiny ones in the soil because they can re-emerge next year carrying diseases, and they are delicious, and quick, eaten straight away!
Courgette recipe for August
Thank you to Braduit for this easy and delicious recipe :
Cut the courgettes longways in fairly thick slices
Fry them with lots of crushed garlic and salt to taste, until soft.
Serve with cold yoghurt
That’s it!
Click here to read all Jacquie’s Tips.
Recipe for August
Spanish courgette tapas
Cut courgettes into sticks, 1 cm x 6cm
put them in a colander and sprinkle with some salt
soak some raisins in a cup of water
fry a red onion (with some salt) on low heat until it caramelizes (about 15 – 20 minutes)
remove the onions, set aside
lightly toast pine nuts and set aside
now quickly spray the courgette sticks with some water,
Fry them in olive oil for 2 – 3 minutes
drain the water from the raisins
mix everything together
Salad of grilled vegetables, feta, apricots, spices and almonds
Soak some apricots in warm water for 20 minutes
Slice a fennel, a red onion and 2 courgettes
Blanch the fennel in boiling water 30 seconds, drain, cool in cold water.
Brush all the vegetables with olive oil and grill for 3 – 4 minutes
Stir apricots, cumin seeds, fresh chopped coriander and lemon juice together with the vegetables
Add half a pack of feta, and sprinkle with roast almonds