Annual General Meeting
This year's AGM will take place on Thursday 3 March 2011. We're actively looking for new volunteers to get involved with the Lost Plot, so if you're interested come along to the meeting and find out more. Get in touch with Clare at afsl.clare@gmail.com
Friday 31 December 2010
Monday 29 November 2010
Women Refugee & Asylum Seeker Introduction to Allotment Gardening Course
Despite the freezing weather on Saturday, we managed to complete our 4 week course. Certificates were issued and there were smiles all round!
Due to illness we combined a couple of the sessions and Ann Marie and co will return to The Lost Plot in the Spring to help plant vegetables and take part in any further workshops.
We may be able to offer a similar course to other interested parties, so contact Clare, The Lost Plot's Community Education Coordinator for further information afsl.clare@gmail.com or phone her on 07595 873221.
Despite the freezing weather on Saturday, we managed to complete our 4 week course. Certificates were issued and there were smiles all round!
Due to illness we combined a couple of the sessions and Ann Marie and co will return to The Lost Plot in the Spring to help plant vegetables and take part in any further workshops.
We may be able to offer a similar course to other interested parties, so contact Clare, The Lost Plot's Community Education Coordinator for further information afsl.clare@gmail.com or phone her on 07595 873221.
5th Birthday Bonfire Bash
Over 100 people turned up to our 5th Birthday celebrations. Thanks to those who came in the afternoon to help clear the road and sort out the brassicas.
The clay oven baked potatoes were a great success and the soup and home-made cakes were well received by all.
Although a few people were expecting rather more from the firework display, we were really pleased with our new fire/social area and everyone enjoyed the sparklers.
The guess the weight of the pumpkin was won by Jay and we're waiting for reports about how the pumpkin recipes went down at home.
Over 100 people turned up to our 5th Birthday celebrations. Thanks to those who came in the afternoon to help clear the road and sort out the brassicas.
The clay oven baked potatoes were a great success and the soup and home-made cakes were well received by all.
Although a few people were expecting rather more from the firework display, we were really pleased with our new fire/social area and everyone enjoyed the sparklers.
The guess the weight of the pumpkin was won by Jay and we're waiting for reports about how the pumpkin recipes went down at home.
Thursday 4 November 2010
BONFIRE BIRTHDAY BASH AT THE LOST PLOT
To celebrate a successful year of growing and five whole years in the community, we're holding a Bonfire Birthday party on Sunday 7th November from 2pm.
We'd like to welcome friends old and new to our Birthday celebrations. You can take a tour of the plot, meet the volunteers and perhaps get involved in some digging, weeding and general volunteer tasks.
We'll light the bonfire at around 5pm and we'll be offering food prepared in our very own clay oven. There'll also be a hearty range of soups, baked potatoes and seasonal food made from this year’s harvest on offer.
And, to cap it all, we'll be having a few fireworks as soon as the sun has set.
So if you're interested in allotment gardening or just want to see how Chorlton's original community allotment is getting on and would like to join in the celebrations on 7th November please contact Clare Walker on 07595 873221 or clare.walker@afsl.org.uk.
We'd like to welcome friends old and new to our Birthday celebrations. You can take a tour of the plot, meet the volunteers and perhaps get involved in some digging, weeding and general volunteer tasks.
We'll light the bonfire at around 5pm and we'll be offering food prepared in our very own clay oven. There'll also be a hearty range of soups, baked potatoes and seasonal food made from this year’s harvest on offer.
And, to cap it all, we'll be having a few fireworks as soon as the sun has set.
So if you're interested in allotment gardening or just want to see how Chorlton's original community allotment is getting on and would like to join in the celebrations on 7th November please contact Clare Walker on 07595 873221 or clare.walker@afsl.org.uk.
Tuesday 28 September 2010
Sunday 27th June : Buds & Buds Summer Event
Despite the football there was a grand turnout at the Summer Event to celebrate The Year of Biodiversity.
Everyone enjoyed the sweltering heat with lemonade and a vegetarian barbecue executed with the usual Lost Plot style - cooked in a reclaimed sink barbecue for that recycled authenticity! All those who glugged down lemonade used their cups to plant wild flowers for their own gardens to attract those all important bees and butterflies. Meanwhile the kids got to have there face painted with different insects in an array of colours and enjoyed the wildlife pond that's teaming with bugs now it's more established. There were plenty of water boatman, newts and a dragonfly even made a brief visit to check out all the fuss!
Tours of the allotment seemed to get some great feedback especially from those people who had attended the spring event and were now seeing all the volunteers hard work pay off.
It was an all round brilliant day, finished off with Sarah's amazing strawberry cream cake. Wow!
Everyone enjoyed the sweltering heat with lemonade and a vegetarian barbecue executed with the usual Lost Plot style - cooked in a reclaimed sink barbecue for that recycled authenticity! All those who glugged down lemonade used their cups to plant wild flowers for their own gardens to attract those all important bees and butterflies. Meanwhile the kids got to have there face painted with different insects in an array of colours and enjoyed the wildlife pond that's teaming with bugs now it's more established. There were plenty of water boatman, newts and a dragonfly even made a brief visit to check out all the fuss!
Tours of the allotment seemed to get some great feedback especially from those people who had attended the spring event and were now seeing all the volunteers hard work pay off.
It was an all round brilliant day, finished off with Sarah's amazing strawberry cream cake. Wow!
Tuesday 14 September 2010
May 25th - Nell Lane Wild Food Hunt with Jesper Launder
On Tuesday 25th May 2010, local herbalist and wild food expert Jesper Launder led a group of volunteers from The Lost Plot Allomtent Project & local residents of Nell Lane estate on a forage around Chortlon Water Park and the River Mersey. The group learned to identify a range of edible foods as well as the odd medicinal herb and then a feast was prepared within the park from all the foods forgaed.
Jesper, a qualified medicinal herbalist and food forager for over five years, was full of enthusiasm and relentless knowledge about the uses of plants. He was keen and patient with the group and his love of his subject encouraged the paticpants to trial leaves, herbs and roots such as the pungent and fiery horseraddish found directly on the River Mersey. There were a few odd stares from passers by when a few particpants took on the challenge to pick a nettle by hand, roll and eat the stinging leaf. It was an invigorating experience, if not a little nerve racking! Overall it seemed to be the children were most excited during the hunt. They were willing to give anything a go.
The feast included assorted tepura -using a light batter to coat rapseed flowers (which taste like brocoli) and cumphrey leaves - and St. Geroges mushrooms which were actually foraged earlier in the day from Chorlton Ees.
Jesper, a qualified medicinal herbalist and food forager for over five years, was full of enthusiasm and relentless knowledge about the uses of plants. He was keen and patient with the group and his love of his subject encouraged the paticpants to trial leaves, herbs and roots such as the pungent and fiery horseraddish found directly on the River Mersey. There were a few odd stares from passers by when a few particpants took on the challenge to pick a nettle by hand, roll and eat the stinging leaf. It was an invigorating experience, if not a little nerve racking! Overall it seemed to be the children were most excited during the hunt. They were willing to give anything a go.
The feast included assorted tepura -using a light batter to coat rapseed flowers (which taste like brocoli) and cumphrey leaves - and St. Geroges mushrooms which were actually foraged earlier in the day from Chorlton Ees.
Monday 17 May 2010
Check us out in the online 'Now Then' Magazine
Sunday 17th May: Themed Workday - Community Area & Fruit Cage
Well we had an amazingly productive day at the plot yesterday. The weather turned out to be really sunny and made for a good day working on several areas of the allotment that needed immediate attention.
The community area is developing slowly into a space that can be used for workshops and events. The ground was levelled, carpeted and then wood chip was put down. This will make a nice surface for the benches that will be made for the area and is a great entrance to the pond area, which is also looking good. Next week we'll be extending the community area so the surrounding paths are also wood chipped.
Digging and Levelling Carpeting Wood Chipping
The pond area taking shape with a new gate and path being laid,
The walk-in Blackcurrant cage was made from scraps of metal and netting and is really sturdy and looks great. The area was also weeded and is starting to take shape ready for summer.
The compost heap had some love and attention and was carefully prepared in sandwich fashion to try, once again, to make hot compost. It was also watered to the consistency of a rung out sponge! We'll see if were doing things right when Rachel and I head down to Valerie's Veggies in Hertfordshire next weekend to do a soil fertility course.
So thanks to all the folks who came down on Sunday, especially our two new volunteers, Matt and Jessica, who were amazing. They got stuck in straight away and can't be faulted for their commitment to getting stuff done...it was a back breaking task. We hope they come back.
The community area is developing slowly into a space that can be used for workshops and events. The ground was levelled, carpeted and then wood chip was put down. This will make a nice surface for the benches that will be made for the area and is a great entrance to the pond area, which is also looking good. Next week we'll be extending the community area so the surrounding paths are also wood chipped.
Digging and Levelling Carpeting Wood Chipping
the ground being levelled and seating being made
The walk-in Blackcurrant cage was made from scraps of metal and netting and is really sturdy and looks great. The area was also weeded and is starting to take shape ready for summer.
The fruit cage being worked on by Nick & Josh
The compost heap had some love and attention and was carefully prepared in sandwich fashion to try, once again, to make hot compost. It was also watered to the consistency of a rung out sponge! We'll see if were doing things right when Rachel and I head down to Valerie's Veggies in Hertfordshire next weekend to do a soil fertility course.
So thanks to all the folks who came down on Sunday, especially our two new volunteers, Matt and Jessica, who were amazing. They got stuck in straight away and can't be faulted for their commitment to getting stuff done...it was a back breaking task. We hope they come back.
Tuesday 11 May 2010
Workshops @ The Lost Plot
We are funded by the Manchester Carbon Innovation Fund to work directly with Nell Lane Estate. Primarily workshops are directed at this community group and so a large number of places are reserved. However we always have a small number of places for interested parties who live in the Manchester area so get in touch.
Here are the workshops coming up in the next few months.
May 18th ~ 5:30-8pm ~ Nell Lane Wild Food Hunt with Jesper Launder
Enjoy a relaxed walk and get to know the many wild foods you can eat locally. Taste samples of the delights we find. See poster below.
May 25th ~ 5:30-7pm ~ Grow your Own Group 'An Introduction to Grow your Own'
Join our local Grow your Own Group for the first session in growing at home. This is a simple introduction to growing crops, covering soil type, compost, watering and feeding for example. It will also cover some more advanced aspects of organic gardening such as companion planting. You will be given a starter pack, which you will use in the session to produce a mini allotment. You will be able to take this away with you, along with a bit more confidence and knowledge to do more at home. Those who join the group will be mentored for three months and will be invited for a follow-up discussion session in June and July. See poster below.
June TBD ~ Building Benches from Sustainable Materials
Discussion around sustainable materials and sourcing local materials then a practical workshop in making some benches for our, soon to be, new and improved community social area. Take those practical skills home and make your own. Keep an eye out for more information on this event coming up.
June 27th ~ 1-5pm ~ Summer Party to Celebrate the Year of Biodiversity
Come along to the plot and join us for our summer party. We will be making use of the Cob Oven to cook some food and there will be a few workshops thrown in. Generally this is a good time to celebrate the summer and the abundance of food growing at the allotment...we hope! Keep an eye out for more information on this event coming up.
Here are the workshops coming up in the next few months.
May 18th ~ 5:30-8pm ~ Nell Lane Wild Food Hunt with Jesper Launder
Enjoy a relaxed walk and get to know the many wild foods you can eat locally. Taste samples of the delights we find. See poster below.
May 25th ~ 5:30-7pm ~ Grow your Own Group 'An Introduction to Grow your Own'
Join our local Grow your Own Group for the first session in growing at home. This is a simple introduction to growing crops, covering soil type, compost, watering and feeding for example. It will also cover some more advanced aspects of organic gardening such as companion planting. You will be given a starter pack, which you will use in the session to produce a mini allotment. You will be able to take this away with you, along with a bit more confidence and knowledge to do more at home. Those who join the group will be mentored for three months and will be invited for a follow-up discussion session in June and July. See poster below.
June TBD ~ Building Benches from Sustainable Materials
Discussion around sustainable materials and sourcing local materials then a practical workshop in making some benches for our, soon to be, new and improved community social area. Take those practical skills home and make your own. Keep an eye out for more information on this event coming up.
June 27th ~ 1-5pm ~ Summer Party to Celebrate the Year of Biodiversity
Come along to the plot and join us for our summer party. We will be making use of the Cob Oven to cook some food and there will be a few workshops thrown in. Generally this is a good time to celebrate the summer and the abundance of food growing at the allotment...we hope! Keep an eye out for more information on this event coming up.
Monday 10 May 2010
Hello All from The Community Engagement Coordinator
Hi Everybody...I just wanted to introduce myself. I'm Beth, the Community Engagement Coordinator for The Lost Plot. Just to let you know a bit about what I do...I work and volunteer with The Lost Plot in Chorlton. I am employed to engage with the local estate and people in the Chorlton and surrounding areas. I want to encourage people to grow their own, help empower them to apply for their own allotments and gain knowledge and confidance to have a postive impact on their environement. The Lost Plot will be running workshops, work experience days, 'grow your own' mentoring schemes and community events over the next year so please come and get involved.
As a volunteer on Sundays from 1-5pm I am able to take a hands on approach to growing and improving the allotment space so it is it's own self-sustaining ecosystem. At the moment I am working on improving biodiveristy by encouring the growth of flowers and wildlife encouraging plants. I am developing an edible pond and medicinal and edible herb areas. I am always looking to improve our soil and will be undertaking some training in May so I can then work with the local community to build a better compost system. I am also doing an introductory course in herbal medicine.
I also work for Young People's Support Foundation 2 1/2 days a week. The Young People’s Support Foundation (YPSF) is a Manchester based charity working with young people aged between 16 – 25 who need support with their personal growth and development towards adulthood and independent living. Primarily we support young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and those who are socially isolated and are at risk. Funded by Target Wellbeing, I work on projects that improve physical and mental wellbeing as well as encouraging healthy eating through cooking projects. I have also worked as a Youth Worker, Family Support Worker and Arst Development Worker and try to bring my skills from these jobs into my work at The Lost Plot.
Please keep an eye out for information about what's on at The Lost Plot. Coming soon.
In the mean time you can contact me in person (see below) or on the usual email.
Beth Morgan
Community Coordinator for The Lost Plot
c/o Action for Sustainable Living
Web http://www.afsl.org.uk | Tel 0161 227 0377 | 07771202702
Email beth.morgan@afsl.org.uk
Wednesday 7 April 2010
Roots and Shoots Spring Festival
The Lost Plot are having a Roots and Shoots party on Sunday 11th April from 1pm onwards to celebrate Spring and the start of a new growing season.
Come along and join in some seed planting, do a bit of digging or just relax in the sunshine.
Beth Morgan, The Lost Plot's newly appointed Community Engagement Coordinator said:
"It'll be a great family day. We'll provide refreshments, you can plant up a cut-and-come-again salad window box and there'll be a windmill-making workshop for younger children. It's a great chance to share what we're doing down on the allotment and hopefully encourage people either to come along and volunteer themselves or think about growing some of their own food at home."
"We're just starting to plan what should be going where on the site, so if you come down to the party you can be in at the start of this year's planting."
Beth will be working one day a week for The Lost Plot, thanks to a grant from Manchester City Council's Carbon Innovation Fund.
"It'll be working with local people to find out what they'd like to do in terms of growing their own food; we'll be organising free workshops on planting, soil improvement, composting, health eating etc. and I'd really like to hear from anyone who'd like a bit of help and advice on getting started."
Anyone wanting to attend the Roots and Shoots party should email thelostplot@afsl.org.uk.
Come along and join in some seed planting, do a bit of digging or just relax in the sunshine.
Beth Morgan, The Lost Plot's newly appointed Community Engagement Coordinator said:
"It'll be a great family day. We'll provide refreshments, you can plant up a cut-and-come-again salad window box and there'll be a windmill-making workshop for younger children. It's a great chance to share what we're doing down on the allotment and hopefully encourage people either to come along and volunteer themselves or think about growing some of their own food at home."
"We're just starting to plan what should be going where on the site, so if you come down to the party you can be in at the start of this year's planting."
Beth will be working one day a week for The Lost Plot, thanks to a grant from Manchester City Council's Carbon Innovation Fund.
"It'll be working with local people to find out what they'd like to do in terms of growing their own food; we'll be organising free workshops on planting, soil improvement, composting, health eating etc. and I'd really like to hear from anyone who'd like a bit of help and advice on getting started."
Anyone wanting to attend the Roots and Shoots party should email thelostplot@afsl.org.uk.
Thursday 4 February 2010
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY! Community Engagement Coordinator
The Lost Plot are proud to announce that we have just received funding from Manchester City Council's Carbon Innovation Fund!!!! The project will last for a year and help build community engagement at the Lost Plot. We are recruiting a Community Engagement Coordinator to work 8 hours a week for 12 months on this project. Here is the info:
Community Engagement Coordinator at The Lost Plot Community Allotment Project
Salary: £24,000 pro rata Hours: 8 hours per week (£400 per month). Location: The Lost Plot, Chorlton, Manchester, Contract: Temporary for 12 months
The Lost Plot is a constituted community-run 'grow your own' project which allows members of the local community to produce their own organic fruit and veg. The Lost Plot has been developed around permacultural principles and its aim is to engage an increasing number of local people in issues around food growing and sustainable food choices through regular workdays, events and training workshops.
The Lost Plot has just received funding from Manchester City Council’s Carbon Innovation Fund (CIF), the post holder will be supporting and building on current coordination work by the Lost Plot committee members whilst achieving the key outcomes set out in the CIF award agreement. The post holder will be working directly with community groups and co-ordinating activities and partnerships with The Lost Plot.
Experience of working within communities and food growing would be an advantage. The post holder will be expected to work some evenings and weekends. The post holder is expected to work from home.
For further information and to apply email: info@thelostplot.co.uk or ring 0161 227 0377 ,
Application deadline: Weds 24th February 12pm
Interview date: Sunday 28th February
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