Cropwell Bishop Village Parish Plan

Cropwell's first Horticultural Show! (26-7-11)

You can download a leaflet with full details of the Show by clicking on the link in the 'Downloads' box on the right-hand side of this page.

You can also download a copy of the entry form.

Copies will also be available in local shops later this week.

Tony Jarrow

NB. Leeks added 28/7/11

Food for love (11-6-11)

Allotment holders, Jon and Katy, got married at beautiful Langar Hall yesterday. Congratulations to both of them and may they have a long and happy life together.

I love their wonderful wedding cake. It portrays the ideal life: green fields, flowers, a stream, a pond and, naturally, an allotment.

Tony Jarrow

Big Lottery and Balfour Beatty (5-5-11)

During the winter months it was impossible to gain access to the allotment site on Fern Hill because the grassy field was so muddy and slippy—several cars became stuck.

To avoid the problem again next year, the allotment committee decided to ask for help. It decided that by covering the grassy area beyond the gate with a purpose made plastic mesh, an all-weather parking area could be created making it safe to drive onto even during the wet seasons, yet be virtually invisible. It was calculated that this would cost £5,622.

An application was made to the Big Lottery Fund through the 'Awards for All' scheme—and it was approved: we have been awarded the full amount! Work is due to be completed during early summer.

Whilst awaiting a decision from 'Awards for All', the continuing wet weather in February made us realise that the heavily used patch of ground near the gate entrance might need extra reinforcement and drainage. An approach to Balfour Beatty—who are building the new A46 road—was looked upon extremely favourably by liaison manager, Pam Hobson, and the local Road Team Manager. They offered to 'toughen up' this area through the use of hardcore and improved drainage. This work is due to be completed during May.

These improvements follow on from the recently installed gates and the laying of a footpath to the site, which were both funded by Nottinghamshire County Council. We thank these organisations for all they are doing to make Cropwell Bishop an even better place to live.

Tony Jarrow

It's now official: the allotments are open! (2-5-11)

This morning we had a ceremony that marked the official opening of the Cropwell Bishop Allotments site—and its first birthday! Strange but true.

Because the site was opened in a rush last May, there was no time to cut the ribbon, but today we did just that. Alan Wilson, Chairman of the Parish Council, who was instrumental in finding a suitable site and enabling the Allotment Committee to establish the Cropwell Bishop Association was invited to make the cut.

By 10.15am, Around 50 people had made the journey up to Fern Hill and they were immediately rewarded with blue skies and brilliant sunshine. Tony Jarrow described how the Allotment Asscociation came into being and the role that Alan played in making it happen. Alan was praised for his community spirit and unselfishness and for encouraging a "let's try it" attitude in the village. He was presented with a small hamper of food and drink from local shops.

Prior to Alan cutting (with garden shears) the ribbon stretched between the gate posts, Catrin Styles presented Tony Jarrow with a surprise gift from the plot holders in recognition of his efforts in getting the site established. This was very much appreciated.

Then it was time to party and committee members were on hand to serve free drinks and nibbles to everyone. While Catrin, Ryan, Sally, Matt, Lisa and Sarah served food and drinks, sausages were being grilled by Tom on his barbecue. Soon everyone was clutching a hot dog and supping a drink as they wandered around the site. For once, members had the time to socialise and talk to each other: there will be plenty of time for weeding and digging later in the week.

With the site being open to the public (today only) many non-members could be seen exploring the site. A wonderful day for all: can't wait for the second birthday!

Tony Jarrow