FLAG
Newsletter
September 12th 2009
To Infinity and Beyond ….
Well, into cyber space anyway. FLAG’s website is now complete. Its creators will be at our next meeting to tell us all about it and to gather some more material.
So please join us for the launch
at
the AGM,
Monday October 19th
in the Common Room at Beaumonds,
(at the top of Hatfield Road)*
The meeting will start at 7.30 but the tea, biscuits and chat start sooner; please join us any time after 7.00.
An agenda for change! The present committee is largely made up of those of us who several years ago decided some kind of an association was needed. Since then, FLAG’s role in managing the site has become an essential component in the Council’s grand plan. That hard work will only have paid off, though, if there are others out there now with some fresh ideas for new directions.
For example, some members’ roles have grown unwieldy; they need to be chopped up into bite size pieces so we can focus less on business matters and more on social ones. Some roles have proved obsolete and need scrapping. All positions are up for re-election and we must find a new Chair so please, don’t be shy!
So what about what we do? Does FLAG focus on what you would really like to see done? If you have any views on what our priorities should be, or how they should be achieved – or even if you just want to check out what way others are thinking – you would be very, very welcome. Support and encouragement is vital!
The Newsie bit …
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The best stuff – We are trying to find another carrier to deliver a cart load of manure. Anyone interested please contact the committee and put your name on the list. Remember that the stables on Colney Heath lane also has good manure to give away.
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Moving fences on the NE boundary? Not to worry. Householders are extending gardens because of a Council error in the original boundary line
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Some members are interested in bee-keeping. So far discussion has been cautious on this. Those who have experience of it point out the need for professional guidance and that without it we could generate problems for anyone at or near the site. We are checking the legal situation. Meanwhile – try Red Mason Bees! Brilliant little (actually tiny) pollinators of early beans etc, easy to house and almost impossible to make them sting. (But no honey!)
A few asks …
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Please shut the gate as often as you can bear to, even when you are onsite! And please log EVERY attack on you property through the FLAG post box.
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3mm plastic? We would be glad to acquire some polycarbonate or pvc sheeting of the kind suitable for greenhouses but pliable enough to cut. We hope to have a supply to help members maintain and repair broken windows etc.
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PLEASE USE the clubhouse. It may be warmer still if we can insulate it but meanwhile it is drier and cosier than the great outdoors in a shower so please, make yourself comfortable until it blows over!! (The shower, that is, not the clubhouse!)
Pleasures to come - Dates for your calendar;
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Monday 18th January = a winter social. Fish suppers and quiz
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Saturday 10th April = Seedy Saturday. Be saving your dried seeds NOW to participate in the exchange.
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1st weekend in May – a Plant Swop at the clubhouse. We shall be finding good homes for spare seedlings
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The Signal Box that doesn’t fail – to impress, that is. St Albans’ station’s very posh signal box together with its garden including ‘native mixed edible hedge’ (maintained by eager volunteers) are open to view October 11th, November 8th and December 13th from 2 till 5 pm. Pop down for a look!
Hope to see you Monday next