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COMMITTEE NEWS
DRAINAGE
Over the past few years an increase of rainfall has caused ever worsening problems of water-logging in many areas of the site, and has created real difficulties in cultivation of some plots, particularly those to the N and NW but also for some on the E side and in the centre. The drainage sub-committee was formed in the spring of last year ö George Stevens, John Lankford and myself. Our first priority was to drain the lower areas and to lay down some main drain runs into which connections could be made from adjacent plots. Barnet Council had already made a new final exit drain into the Hendon Way so we were able to connect to this from new runs along the lower and middle E-W avenues and one going S -N down the W side of the site, about 230 metres in all.
In the autumn a start was made by George and Walter Turchet digging trenches from the lower car park along the lower avenue and southwards up to the middle avenue. Later we were helped by the Probation Service lads on Saturdays, organised and supervised by Deborah. In order to speed progress it was decided to hire a mini JCB digger which arrived in mid October worked by Simon Corcoran solidly all day for 7 days, helped all that time by Andy Burke. Sadly before the week was out the rain fell in torrents which hindered us badly. To barrow heavy shingle over sodden ground over long distances is really tough work, and when the Probation Service lads withdrew for the winter we had to stop, leaving some 60 metres or so of trenches still open to date. Some plot holders also made great efforts on their own plots. Tim Ryan and Michael Pharey dug and filled their own branch down to the middle avenue, and Simon Corcoran has done the same on his plot to join the old drain along the N fence. Ken Moth has also dug a branch
What we have achieved so far has made a definite and worthwhile improvement to the areas most in need. Plots that had remained water-logged for weeks now drain within days and can be worked throughout the year. This autumn we plan to improve the run ö off at the bottom with a branch around the lower car park and then to dig new drains for plots above the middle avenue, firstly those on the E side and then those below the upper car park. All this is probably as much as we can manage in one season, but a lot will depend on how much help we receive from plot holders. There is still a great deal more to do and last year too much was left to too few of us.
Our thanks are due to Simon, Andy, Walter, Deborah and Tim and others who helped us in their own localities.
We know that our success so far has gained the support of Barnet Council and we hope it will encourage you to join us this autumn for however short a time and with however small an effort, every little helps and good drainage benefits us all.
Hugh Sheppard
On behalf of the drainage committee