Bohemia Village Voice

Volunteers clearing the site … in preparation for planting some vegetables?

By Bob Hart & Sue Thomson

At last the Heras fencing (picture below) is in place!  The gap on the east side of the garden is now looking tidy and secure, where once there had been a tangle of wire, brambles and ivy. The site itself has also been cleared of a substantial quantity of brambles and saplings, thanks to Chris, his mighty strimmer and volunteers with rakes.  He worked both morning & afternoon on both Saturday & Sunday, determined to make the most of the fine weather.

Bob, Chris and Sue went to see Amy Terry, manageress of HBC’s Estates Dept, to inform her of progress.  We asked Amy to consider the Heras fencing as a good, security barrier that would enable us to move onto the horticultural stage of our plans.  She agreed that this was a good idea and will be sending an HBC inspector to have a look.  She will also ask for a Hastings Council report on the hole in the brickwork behind the sandstone wall to determine whether HBC can repair this hazard; as this is only about a metre square, she thinks it may be possible to arrange for this repair.

We have also submitted a draft lease, to replace our ‘Tenancy At Will’ and a  business plan to Amy.  These are not final documents but represent “work in  progress”.  When we feel that all necessary changes and amendments have been  made to the Lease, we will ask Pat Weaver of Hastings Voluntary Action to  have a look at it for us. Her guidance in the writing our Constitution was  invaluable.

We look forward to milder weather and the start of the planting season. Slowly we are clearing space in the garden (upper picture), which will give us the  opportunity to grow some vegetables … perhaps some broad beans or potatoes or onions. We are at the garden each Sunday 10am to noon.
There are the latest photographs and other details available on the BWGA website. The site also will note on the day if a work day is cancelled due to bad weather.

Fundraising event

The Bohemia Walled Garden Association will be holding a fundraising event on Saturday 8th May at Park Road Church. This will be to let people know what their aims are and how they are progressing, and also to raise money through donations and the sale of bric-a-brac, books & cakes.
There will also be a talk by Heather Grief in the morning about the history of the Summerfields estate. This is to coincide with the publication of her book on the Summerfields Estate, which will be on sale for the first time at this event. Heather has generously offered to make a donation to BWGA from the sales of her book. In the afternoon, about 1 o’clock, Heather will speak about the Bayeux Tapestry. If you feel you can help, either at the event or by donating saleable items, please contact us. Thank you.

Bohemia Walled Garden Association

 The Bohemia Walled Garden Association

Heras fencing