Due to the coronavirus restrictions it has not been possible to hold the 2021 meeting. The next AGM will be on Monday 14 March 2022.
Suspension of Annual Meetings during the lockdown is allowed under emergency legislation.

March 31st, 2020
Reviewed 5 January 2021

What the NAS is doing to help members during the National Lockdown
The National Allotment Society is working to support plot-holders and associations so that they can continue to work their plots and manage sites in a safe and secure manner during the pandemic. We are all living through a crisis, the likes of which the country has not experienced since war time. The community spirit that exists on allotment sites is now vitally important. Please remember to look out for one another during these very difficult times. This is a constantly changing situation and we will review this page on a regular basis.
Please remember to carry on using social distancing and taking hygiene precautions when visiting the site and touching communal surfaces. Plot-holders over 70 years of age, regardless of general health are particularly vulnerable. It may feel safe on an allotment site but there are still risks.
During the current lockdown you can continue to exercise alone, with one other person or with your household or support bubble. This should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area.
If you break the rules The police can take action against you if you meet in larger groups. This includes breaking up illegal gatherings and issuing fines (fixed penalty notices).
You can be given a Fixed Penalty Notice of £200 for the first offence, doubling for further offences up to a maximum of £6,400. If you hold, or are involved in holding, an illegal gathering of over 30 people, the police can issue fines of £10,000.
HANDS: FACE: SPACE and only leave home for essential purposes

NAS Q & A  On Allotments and Social Distancing
Protect yourself and your family
Covid -19 - The virus that causes COVID 19 is mainly transmitted through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks.  Some droplets are too heavy to hang in the air and they quickly fall and contaminate floors and surfaces. Other smaller airborne particles can remain in the air for some time. You can be infected by breathing in the virus if you are within close proximity of a person who has Convid-19- hence the 2m social distancing requirement, or by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth before washing your hands.
Can I still work my allotment during the Covid19 lockdown?
Yes, allotments are a great way of both getting exercise and obtaining food during this crisis. However, social activities on site must cease and you can only visit once a day.
Can I visit the allotment with my family and friends?
You can use your plot to exercise once a day along with members of your household, your support bubble or one other person. If you do wish to bring someone to assist with work on the plot, please ensure that that this is notified either to the Secretary or a Site Rep so that they can authorise and are aware of who is on site. It is essential that no un-authorised people are allowed onto the plots for the duration of this emergency. Careful consideration should be given to introducing anyone over 70, those with underlying illness or pregnant women.
Can I drive to my plot? 
Yes, it is permissible to travel to access local green space to exercise.
How can I ensure my family’s and everyone else’s safety at the plot?

• Do not attend the plot if you have coronavirus symptoms or a family member is self-isolating, this includes people who need to isolate after returning from holidays abroad.
• Take a flask of hot water, soap and paper towels to the plot with you (cold water will work too).
• Use hand sanitiser (should be at least 60% alcohol content) before entering the site and opening any gate locks
• Wash hands for at least 20 seconds after closing the lock, dry with a paper towel
• The most effective part of hand washing is the drying using preferably paper towel to remove the layer of dead skin scales - on which virus and bacteria sit. Paper towel to compost heap.
• DO NOT touch your face after using anything that has been touched by other people
• Wash your hands again for 20 seconds, dry with a paper towel before opening and closing the lock to leave the site
• Use hand sanitiser after closing the lock
• Wash hands when you get home
• Observe “Social Distancing” with each other 2 metres
• If you take your children to the plot, ensure that they stay within its confines and do not run around on communal paths and spaces.
• Do not share tools
• Do not wash your hands in water troughs

I'm self-isolating or shielding and cannot go to the allotment. I'm worried about losing my plot, what should I do?
Please make sure that you inform your Allotment Association that you are unable to visit the site, preferably in writing, so that they can make allowances for your situation.
Gatherings. Communal activities should cease for the duration of the lockdown.
Communal facilities. Communal rooms should remain closed. 

Click here to go to the full text of the NAS Guidelines 

The 2nd AGM of The City of Ely Allotments and Gardens Association was held on Monday 9th March 2020 at 7.30 p.m. 
The agenda for the 2020 meeting can be seen here, and the Minutes of the 2019 meeting can be found here. 

The 2019 Awards Evening was held on September 9th. The Mayor of Ely, Michael Rouse presented the trophies and Certificates of Merit were subsequently distributed by the site reps.

Talks this year 
 Peat-free compost Presentation by Catherine Dawson from Melcourt Industries
​
 New Regulations for Control of Rodents.
This is essential information for all tenants, presented by Ken Brown, Vice Chair of the Association. There have been big changes in the way poisons and traps can be legally used. New regulations are now in force with high penalties for non-compliance including large fines and prison terms. See this article on the Info page summarising Ken's talk, or download the file here. 

Award Winners
A J FENN CUP for best allotment in Ely (and winner’s certificate)
Joint winners  Stewart and Teresa Bye –Bridge Fen  and  Colin and Olive Bowles – New Barns 
3rd place certificate: Vala Carter – New Barns   
 
HOLDEN-ROLFE CUP for best small plot (and winner’s certificate)
  Gareth and Bev Owen – Upherds Lane    
 2nd place certificate: Valerie Sims -Upherds Lane
 3rd place certificate: Trevor Brown- Upherds Lane  
 
MICHAEL UNGAR MEMORIAL CUP for best newcomer (and winner’s certificate)  Richard & Svetlana Hayes - New Barns 
2nd place certificate: The Dalton Family - Bridge Fen
Joint  3rd place certificate: Fil and Til Utting Brown- Bridge Fen and Diane Scott and David Watts- Bridge Fen
 
The following  trophies  will be retained by the winners.
 JACK CLARKE TROPHY for best plot on Bridge Fen   Stewart And Teresa Bye 
 MAURICE HOBBS TROPHY for best plot on New Barns Colin and Olive Bowles.
 NIGEL CLARKE TROPHY for best plot on Upherds Lane Gareth and Bev Owen  
JACK KEMP TROPHY for best plot on Back Hill & Canterbury Avenue 
​ Lisa Harbinson 

The City of Ely Allotments Association Awards evening was held on 3rd September  with presentation of trophies by the Mayor, Councillor Mike Rouse.

A J FENN CUP for overall best allotment in Ely:
Joint 1st place: Stewart and Teresa Bye–Bridge Fen & Colin and Olive Bowles–New Barns
3rd place certificate:      Vala Carter–New Barns
HOLDEN-ROLFE CUP for best small plot:
Alan Church–New Barns
2nd place certificate:  Owen Howe–Bridge Fen
3rd place certificate: The Dalton Family–Bridge Fen
MICHAEL UNGAR MEMORIAL CUP for best newcomer:
The Dalton Family–Bridge Fen
Joint 2nd place: David and Dianne Scott–Bridge Fen & Richard and Svetlana Hayes-New Barns
JACK CLARKE TROPHY for best plot on Bridge Fen:
Stewart and Teresa Bye
​MAURICE HOBBS TROPHY for best plot on New Barns:
Colin and Olive Bowles
NIGEL CLARKE TROPHY for best plot on Upherds Lane:
Phil Royle
JACK KEMP TROPHY for best plot on Back Hill & Canterbury Avenue:
Lisa Harbinson
PETER MERTON TROPHY for achievement on Bridge Fen:
Daniel Chucherko
​
Two presentations on aspects of allotment holding were given:

• A talk by Les Turner on the pruning of soft fruit trees, to be followed up by an on-site workshop (demonstration) to be arranged for early next year.
• 'Crop Disease Control on Allotments' by Peter Gladders, a retired ADAS Plant Pathologist. 

Have you heard about the invasive New Zealand flatworm? They might be coming to a garden near you...
Read this article and see the video to be on the lookout for this unwelcome visitor.