Many congratulations to all concerned on achieving 150 editions of the ECN from everyone involved with TEAS.

We are now into our 6th season of ‘allotmenteering’ and so relative newcomers to the longevity of the ECN.  Interest in current allotments, though, began more than 8 years ago thanks, in the main to Parish Councillors Fiona Warin and Rob Gothard  who, with the help of a number of other enthusiasts, worked to locate a suitable site which was acquired through the  support  of the Parish Council and the Charlie Bullock Fund.  

Ironically both Fiona and Rob had moved on before TEAS started in earnest and never did get a plot for themselves but I think they still will look upon the achievement with some pride, particularly as the allotments were part of the success story that gained Eastington the first ever Gloucestershire Vibrant Village of the Year award in 2010.

For the original group of ‘allotmenteers’ turning a field, used for many years for grazing cows, into productive plots for vegetable growing proved to be extremely tough going and required a great deal of time spent digging and turning over the sticky clay loaded soil.

Understandable some fell by the wayside but their places were soon filled and all of TEAS’ 22 plots are now currently occupied.

In the Beginning.....We could only grow sticks

In terms of the immediate future, as well as seeing the current barren plots fill with luscious and (hopefully) edible greenery over the next few months, watch out for the appearance of the TEAS Club House (or large shed) and thanks, again, should go to the Charlie Bullock Trustees and Parish Council for their contributions to this community project.

All the best for the next 150 editions, which will, hopefully, occasionally include some more snippets (or should that be pickings) from the allotments.

Steve Gribble (TEAS Commitee)