DUXFORD ALLOTMENT SOCIETY FORMED MAY 2000

This is to announce the formation of the Duxford Allotments Society. We have 69 plots of varying sizes! Occupancy is currently 69% with 19 plots vacant. The vacant plots are currently in the process of being dug over by the Community Service Organisation to encourage new allotment take up. Cost is £6 per year. 

Duxford Parish Council has earmarked the Allotments as their most favoured site for building Affordable Housing in the village. Whilst the Allotment holders are not against Affordable Housing, we are opposing any attempts to build on this site. SCDC have been asked to draw up plans. In a meeting between Allotment Holders and Simon Ward from SCDC Architects Office and Chris Moglia from the Cambridge Housing Association, there was a 50% turn out of Allotment holders who made their views clear and suggested alternative sites within the village.

To widen the appeal of allotment gardening in the local area, Duxford Allotment Society (DAS) have launched plans for a Community Vineyard. DAS Chairman, Ian French regularly produces 30-40 bottles of wine from vines in his back garden and is leading the project. This year he has taken 150 cuttings to kick-start the vineyard so that we can avoid the expense of buying in vines. There has been
quite a lot of interest from local radio, press (and wine drinkers). Volunteers are sought for this long term project (three years before the vines mature). The vineyard will be partitioned up with a patch allotted to each prospective vintner: duties include routine weeding, watering and eventually celebrating with that extra special glass of Chateau Duxford!