Craigentinny Allotments

As we have a few new plot holders again this year, it has been suggested that we share our first names as a way of introduction. If you are happy to do this please add your name to the plan of the site (placed on the notice board) next time you are down.

Enterprising plot holders have arranged for a possible delivery of free slabs from Portobello – please help yourself. Many thanks to Rod and George for arranging this. We can imagine lots of neat paths now!

If you have ordered manure this time please be at the allotment on Saturday 27 March (around eleven o’clock) to take delivery and pay for bags.

Bags are 60p each, please bring the right change if you have it.
Thanks

The first draft of the new Allotment Strategy ‘Cultivating Communities: A Growing Concern’ has now been completed and was presented to the Transport, Infrastructure and Environment Committee on 9 February 2010.  The Committee approved the document for wider consultation to run until 23rd April 2010.

The draft strategy is available at www.edinburgh.gov.uk/haveyoursay/ or from the Allotment Officer – Ian Woolard, tel: 0131 311 7072

Due to the success of last year’s BBQ we have decided to try to fit in two this year, one in May on a Saturday and one in August on a Sunday.

It will probably take the same format as last year with an hour or so work on the community plot/ pond followed by lots to eat and drink. The BBQ equipment will be provided and everyone brings their own food. Last year people brought extra to share around so we were all stuffed and some of us a bit tipsy!! But don’t worry there is no requirement to partake of the alcoholic beverages. In any event it was a most enjoyable day and we will do our best to do it all again this year.

Everyone is welcome – the more the merrier! More info nearer the time.

Orders for Manure are now closed.
Date for delivery to follow.

If you want free slabs you can pick them up from the car park behind the flats at Adelphi Place in Portobello, They are the pavement slabs that are being replaced along Portobello High Street. They come in two sizes, standard and foot square. They can be collected during working hours and are free subject to availability. The contract is coming to a close so get there early to avoid disappointment.

John c.1974

Plotholders John & Val Maule share their memories of Craigentinny Allotments in what we hope will be the first of several ‘Allotment Tales’.

I first acquired an allotment at Craigentinny in 1972, whilst renting a flat in Leith. There was not a waiting list then, and there were several vacant plots when I toured the site to select mine. I was asked how many plots I would like since most of the gardeners had more than one! I chose a plot by the golf course fence on the area currently occupied by part of the communal garden.

Interestingly, the layout of the site was then somewhat different to the present arrangement (more…)