Our first learning day of 2020 was held at Pudsey Civic Hall on 7th March. Over 100 people signed up, and made a lively, attentive audience for both the display stands and the interesting talks. Leeds Allotments Federation Chair, Derek Hanton welcomed us all and introduced the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Cllr Eileen Taylor, who opened the day with some remarks about the importance of gardening and food growing.
After the morning’s talks there was a free fish & chip lunch and a chance to socialize. Then there were talks in the afternoon, followed by a Question and Answer session. The day was brought to a close by Cllr Stuart Golton, Vice President of LAF.
A BIG “thank you” is due to everyone who contributed to the organization of the day, to all of the speakers and the organizations mounting displays, and especially to Leeds City Council Parks & Open Spaces for their generous help in paying the the excellent venue and for providing one of the speakers.
Display Stands
There was a wide range of interesting displays from different groups around Leeds, such as Leeds Allotments Federation, National Allotments Society, NAS Yorkshire, Leeds Beekeepers Association, Leeds City Council Pest Control Service, Skelton Grange Environment Centre, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Leeds City Council Parks & Countryside.
Talks
Bee Diversity on Allotments, by Emilie Ellis of Sheffield University
Download the Slides from Emilie’s talk.
Feed Leeds, by Tom Bliss and Sonia Woodcock
Download the slides from Tom’s talk.
Choosing and Caring for Tools, by Joe Foster of Hollin Lane Allotments
Download the slides from Joe’s talk.
GDPR and Safeguarding, by Joanne Clough of Leeds City Council
Download slides from Joanne’s talk.
Composting, by Mick Poultney, Fellow of the National Vegetable Society
You can watch him talking about compost on youtube.
Pruning Fruit Trees and Bushes, by Joe Lofthouse of RHS Harlow Carr
Download the slides from Joe Lofthouse’s talk.
Raised Beds & No Dig, by Mick Poultney
You can watch him talking about his raised beds on youtube.