School Visits - Spring and Summer 2014

We are pleased to announce that Dig In Community Allotment in Stapleford has funding to run free sessions for schools local to the Stapleford area during Spring and Summer term 2014. 

The sessions are coordinated by an experienced environmental educator and can be tailored to all age groups.

Sessions available include:

• Pond-dipping

• Mini-beast hunting

• Garden explorations, sensory walks  and treasure hunts

• Gardening

• Harvesting and tasting

The site includes a fenced pond with dipping platform, wildlife gardens, productive gardens, orchard, polytunnel and accessible compost toilet. 

Dig In is located on Pasture Road, between the Man of Iron pub and Excel Vehicle Hire, NG9 8HZ

Contact Karen Fry to find out more:

Tel:     07943 700302

Email: enquiries@diginstapleford.org.uk

Download School Visits flyer

Alex's Marathon Cheque Presentation

Dig In volunteer, Roy (on the right in the photo) handed over a cheque for £1000, which had been raised and donated by his nephew, Alex Oldershaw. The presentation event took place in the Dig In polytunnel on March 12th, accompanied by some of Helen's homemade pumpkin soup and Mary's homemade fruit cake.

Alex raised the money through sponsorship of his participation in the Chicago Marathon in 2013. We are bowled over by his generosity!

The purchase of a park bench for the Dig In site will be first on the list, with the remainder being put to good use for repairs, equipment and materials for Dig In. On behalf of the Dig In management committee and volunteers, thank you again Alex, for your wonderful donation and support.

Pre-Christmas Fuddle 2013

Well, another year nearly over and to celebrate, last Wednesday we held a pre-Christmas fuddle in the polytunnel. There were about a dozen of us volunteers in total. Thanks to all those who brought delicious food and drink for us all to enjoy. A thank you also goes to Helen for capturing the event on camera and for her brilliant 'Christmas tree' wigwam design.

Overall, we have had a good year at Dig In. The weather was certainly an improvement on 2012 and our programme of structural improvements on the allotment continues with the replacement of edging timbers around the beds, a new storage shed and a porch canopy for the eco-loo entrance. A special thanks to Alan Withington (RCAN) and the hard working volunteers from DISO.

Sadly, Lauren, our session worker left this year to do more work with schools, but Dig In is now pleased to announce the appointment of Karen Fry as Lauren's replacement. Through secured funding, Karen will be continuing Lauren's good work in leading most of the Wednesday volunteer sessions next year as well as numerous Saturday sessions. Local outreach will schools and other groups will also continue, again under Karen's leadership.

With a background in art and design, Dig In are also pleased to announce that Joyce Killowe will also be joining us to lead several Saturday workshops in 2014 and also to act as stand in for Karen. On behalf of the management committee, we are looking forward to making 2014 our best year yet and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.

If you fancy losing a few pounds in the new year after the Christmas excesses, why not come along to help out on the allotment? We're open every Weds & Sat 10-12, just press the doorbell at the site gate to be let in, or drop us an email to let us know you're coming if you prefer. Newcomers always welcome, no experience necessary. First session of the new year is Sat 4th Jan.

Thank you from Kathy

To everyone who has supported DIG IN in 2013,

On behalf of DIG IN Community Allotment, I'd like to thank you for your continual support, hard work and creativity in keeping DIG IN doing the great work it does. Volunteers continue to be the backbone of the project, without whom DIG IN wouldnt exist. We look forward to 2014 with renewed vigour, a new shed and a lovely loo- and hope that your precious time will continue to be shared with us.

Happy Christmas and a green New Year!

Kathy

on behalf of

The DIG IN Management committee

Harvest Celebration Event 2013

Dig In held its first Harvest Celebration last Saturday. Despite a cool and damp day weatherwise there was plenty going on to keep all ages entertained.

The rain wasn't a problem as the pumpkin carving took place in Tracey's tent, the glass painting under a gazebo, the face painting in another gazebo and the most popular area with all ages was the polytunnel where there was plenty of harvest home baking to be enjoyed.  The homemade soups were very popular and the Bombay potatoes really warmed things up!  Pumpkin based cosmetics were on offer along with chutneys and recipe books for those with culinary interests. 

Mary made very tasty apple pancakes and the apple press was in demand all day providing a constant stream of pure apple juice - fantastic!

Those wondering what variety of apple tree to plant in their garden were treated to a huge selection of different apples to sample to aid their selection process.

Great prizes were won on the Tombola and everyone seemed to enjoy their Harvest day with pumpkin works of art being gingerly carried home by the children artists.

The weather might try, but it never spoils a Dig In event!

Thanks to all those who came to make the event such a success. In total, we had 72 people, comprising 37 adults and 35 children, plus our team of hardy volunteers who made it all possible.

Helen

Photo images © Sharon Pickering and Chris Davis

See more event photos on our Facebook page.

Dig In Needs You

Here is a photo of one of the new Dig In banners. This one will be displayed on the fencing adjacent to the main site entrance to encourage more volunteers to join our happy band. We also have another banner specifically for events.

Dig In welcome volunteers of any gardening ability and experience. All tools, materials and equipment provided and there's plenty to do on site from general weeding to planting and harvesting.

A special thank you to Kathy for arranging the banner printing and Helen for the photo.

Hibernation Workshop - Sat 14th Sept 2013

Press release 22.8.13

DIG IN Hibernation workshop Saturday September 14th 10-12

Although summer is still in our thoughts and we are enjoying the sunshine and warmth our thoughts are turning to preparing for the autumn. We all need a bit of help to get through the winter months and insects are no exception.

Following on from our fabulous pond dipping and bug hunting workshops, DIG IN community allotment will be running a free workshop making bug houses and hibernation boxes for insects.

Fun and interest for all the family, come along and discover how best to support our wonderful insects through the winter months and what you can do to help. Make an insect hibernation box to take home and place in your own garden. If this is your first time at the Dig In site , you will have the opportunity to meet some of the local volunteers and take a stroll around DIG IN community allotments lovely site. Come and learn more about DIG IN and have fun making an insect box.

All children must be accompanied by an adult, numbers are limited so please use the contact details below to book or for more information on how to volunteer or just enjoy DIG IN.

For more information or to book - contact Telephone: 07943 700302