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

One of the crops on site that is really enjoying all the sunshine and rain is callaloo. We first grew this last year as part of the Sowing New Seeds project. It didn't do too well last year - not surprising as it is a Caribbean vegetable that likes the heat! This year it has set itself all over the garden like a weed! For more information check out the Sowing New Seeds web site. It can be used much like spinach, but for an authentic taste of the Caribbean - here is a link to a traditional Jamaican recipe. http://eatjamaican.com/recipes/Jamaican-steamed-callaloo.html     So start experimenting and enjoy!

How DIG IN looks!

Eco-loo Official Opening

Since the project's conception, the absence of a toilet on the allotment has left many a poor volunteer and visitor cross-legged and running to the nearby pub to use their facilities. After several years of discussion and planning, we are now delighted to announce that this Wednesday saw the official opening of the Dig In Eco-loo. 

Following an opening speech by Lauren, Roy tested and approved the disabled access ramp, also doing us the honour of cutting the ribbon. Tim (the builder of the facility along with James) also dropped in for a visit and Jill, Claire and Helen made some fabulous cakes and tasty snacks to round off the event.

A special thanks to our wonderful and generous benefactor who provided the funding for the build from a legacy left by his father and to Stapleford Town Council/Broxtowe Borough Council for all their help with the planning permission. 

Roy cuts the ribbon as Lauren looks on

Tim the proud builder (along with James)