Hello everyone,
Nice to see some sunshine, despite the cold wind. Ground is drying out and becoming workable. Spring will soon be with us, and all the gardening work that entails.
Several things going on. Quinta have had their back gate installed, and very good it looks too. I will be writing to the Council later to arrange a meeet to discuss the badly deteriorated drive leading to the front gate. I have been told by someone at Quinta that the Council claim responsibility for it lies with us. They haven't told ME that, so I shall attempt to get some progress on that soon.
There are no outstanding issues at Beechfield and Stantaway that I have been made aware of, but I will talk to the Stewards shortly.
South Parks is the subject of most activity. I have met SWW on site about leaks, costing 85 litres of water loss A MINUTE. That is morally unacceptable as we dont' actually pay for it. If we did, we would probably be Bankrupted. We are in the process of fixing leaks we know about, then will worry about any more that may appear. This winter's frosts have caused a lot of damage, and it is likely that there will be some cost implication for repairs, depending on how extensive they turn out to be. Furthermore, we will be looking at ways to restore water to large parts of A and B Sections which have been without for some time (years, I have been told).
I have met the Council on site about dangerous trees, of which there are several. Their tree man has also visited, and I am pestering them to carry out remedial works urgently.
Much activity within the main gate is connected with clearing the soil bank that has been there for years. We have found loads of stones and bricks dumped there (being rcycled for a patio base) old steel and metal and a disgraceful amount of broken glass. I am perplexed as to why people would have thrown such dangerous stuff in a place like that. Soil removed is being used to fill in the very rutted and uneven path on C Section (more recycling). Weeds and other rubbish is to go to the tip.
When cleared, we will be erecting one of the sheds we own to be trialled as a composting toilet. One of our Members has volunteered to build the necessary structure within the shed. We have researched composting toilets thoroughly, and visited our friends in Paignton allotments, who are delighted with theirs. It is completely odourless, attracts no flies, doesn't use water or costly sewage disposal, and the "contents" will be composted for use on flower beds and fruit trees. There is virtually no cost involved with this project. I will keep you informed.
A small working party has been involved with this. We have a good laugh whilst doing it and get to know each other better. We plan to use more working parties in future. As always, volunteers will always be welcome, even if it's only to put the kettle on.
That's all for now. I will report further soon.
09 March 2010