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The winter of 2012-13 saw some of the heaviest rain that we have had for years and it was evident that we were going to have to do some serious drainage work. That old ditch that was just evident along the Laundry Field boundary was needed again, and so in March a mini-digger was hired to get some ditches dug, and to start on the French (underground) Drain that we had decided was needed down the centre of the field.
Ian Penrose, Marten’s father, operating the mini-digger.
March 2013
Starting the trench for French Drain in almost completely waterlogged
ground at the bottom of the field.
March 2013
In April we hired another mini-digger and the French Drain was installed in a day, but it was a very messy business!! However, the job was done and the large blue perforated pipe was put into the bottom of the trench surrounded by pea-shingle and a membrane that only let the water, and not mud, through. The end result was a good water drainage system into a very much enlarged ditch at the bottom of the field.
Installing the perforated blue pipe for the French drain.
April 2013
With the rain easing off and the French drain doing its work, the ground rapidly dried out and in May the ploughmen returned for a final time to plough Rows 7, 8 and 9. What a difference a few weeks make!
After the final ploughing of Rows 7,8 and 9
May 2013
Another month passed, the crops on the newly cultivated allotment plots were growing well, and the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation was approaching. So it was that on Sunday 2nd June 2013, the Jubilee Allotment Gardens were officially opened by The Right Reverend Dom Cuthbert Brogan, OSB (Order of St Benedict), the Abbot of Farnborough. Speaking at the opening, the Abbot likened the allotment field to the chaos and murky waters at the beginning of the Bible, from which God brought order and beauty. Abbot Cuthbert congratulated the enthusiastic local residents on their co-operation with God’s work of creation.
The Abbot of Farnborough cuts the ribbon.
2 June 2013
With the opening behind us there was still much to do, and in August all the required fencing materials were on-site and ready for a volunteer work-force of allotment holders and their families to form into teams to erect the palisade fencing around the allotments. Over one weekend in late August the fencing was erected and the site secured.
Erecting the palisade fencing.
August 2013
As the days began to get shorter it was agreed with the Rotary Club of Farnborough that we would provide the club with an enlarged plot that could be developed for use by local people with physical and learning disabilities. The plot, to be called the Farnborough Rotary Access Garden should be open in 2014, and it will be supported and supervised by our good friends
Rotavating the ground for the Farnborough Rotary access Garden
Sept 2013
So, for the moment, the story comes to an end, but it will continue. Have we made a difference?? See below!
Middle Field after cutting but still with trees inside the path
about June 2010
Middle Field as the Jubilee Allotment Gardens
about May 2013
Middle Field as the Jubilee Allotment Gardens
about May 2019
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