We all knew that Manchester Drive Allotment Society was the best in Southend - now it's been proved by the results of the 2010 Southend Council Allotments Competition.  MDAS was top - and that's because our list of nominated plots gained the greatest number of points.

We finished ten points ahead of second-placed Gaynes Park Allotment Society and third were Westclif Land Cultivation Society.

It's that time of year again when mince pies, mulled wine and raffle tickets are the best we have to offer at Manchester Drive.  It may be cold, wet and muddy most weekends but on Sunday morning, 20th December from 10.30 pm why not come along to the Members Get-Together, have a natter and taste a little festive spirit.

The recent weeks of bad weather have taken their toll on the site.  Puddles everywhere, some plots saturated and the tracks and pathways are no longer suitable for vehicles,

That is why the Committee have taken the decision to block access to the tracks.  We don't want to make matters worse by allowing cars to move freely across the site and risk sliding across other plots and causing further damage.

It is with great regret that I have to tell you that last week, one of our popular and loyal members and former treasurer, Roy Boughtwood, passed away in Southend Hospital.  

Martin Scott will be the new Chairman of the Society from 1st October.  He takes over from David Williams who steps down after nearly five years in the post.   The decision was announced at the Annual General Meeting held on 18th September at The Stables, Leigh Road which was attended by over 40 members.

It was a lively and successful meeting. A full report will appear on this site in the near future.  After the meeting closed, members enjoyed a glass of wine and some excellent snacks prepared by Jean Millington and Carol Wilson.

It's that time of the year when we welcome everyone along to our Open Day.  So make a note in your diary.  It's Sunday, September 13th (11.00 am - 3.00 pm).

Members who have plots in the western side of the Manchester Drive site and regularly use the pedestrian gate close to Prittle Brook are concerned about the ease of access for those who are not members of the Society.  Security has always been a problem and the number of intruders who climb over the gate and wander through the site seems to be on the increase.

We will be looking for committee members when the annual general meeting of the Society is held on Friday, 18th September at The Stables in Chalkwell Park Drive at the rear of the Leigh Road Baptist Church (7.30 pm).

Please try and come along because some important decisions will be made.  The documents relating to this meeting are now available.  These can be sent to you as an e-mail attachment or collected from the MDAS shop on Saturday and Sunday mornings.