The word on - Grosvenor Rd allotments

Very crunchy apples ripe for eating and baking grown on Grosvenor Road allotments

and the juciest of plums

Having been away from home for some time I returned and went down to our allotment to see how high the weeds had grown and if the frogs, flies and birds had eaten the fruits of our labour (though more labour does need to be commited).

Wow, the trees were laden with plums and apples, they were everywhere. I had to call in reinforcements to gather the goodies. It was a bit like Christmas, I got that giddy feeling whilst choosing the fruits that looked the plumpest and juiciest (yes I do that to presents under the tree - have a good old squeeze and shake even if they don't have my name on).

The allotments are a great place to relax, I wiled away 3 hours without noticing on Sunday. People are so friendly. I have made a friend of the chap in the allotment next to us and chit chat as I'm filling up my watering can. A lovely lady gave me a few strawberry plants a few months back when I thought I didn't have any on our plot (it turned out that I just couldn't recognise a strawberry plant and I actually had a whole patch full).

This weekend I have managed to share the goodies with a few neighbours and friends. I'll be having a baking day tomorrow with my son so I think I may post the results in a day or two.

I would highly recommend getting an allotment for all sorts of reasons. They do need a lot of care, far more than we are managing at the moment but when I realise the benefits of having some land to care for (I have no garden at home) I'm determined not to let my enthusiasm wane.

The waiting list is long, can be up to 2 years so if you fancy getting a bit green fingered and feeling more self sufficient then now would be a good time to get your name on that list.

There are a variety of activities that go on over the year including a halloween party so it's possible to get more involved in the allotment community if that's what you like. There is a trading hut for your growing necessities, talks on a variety of subjects and a very good website to keep up to date with what's going on.

If anyone needs details of how to get their name on the list just let us know.

A rating of 10w for such a well organised and lovely place to be.

Oh, and anyone got any good recipes for apples and plums?

THE WORD ON......Cheap fuel or just cheap service

Sorry but I feel the need for a rant! I needed fuel earlier for the car. Naughty me had let the guage fall into the red so I was desperate!

I stopped at the Tesco filling station on Manor Avenue. Diesel is 118.9p per litre, so not the cheapest but not the dearest. I put £20 in (more days than cash til pay day!) and went in to pay.

I was directed (by sign) to the 'express til for fuel only' - only to find that everyone queues for the next free cashout. The lad at the til grunted 'do you 'ave a clubcard?' so I gave him my clubcard, put my payment card in the machine, did the PIN bit, and waited.

Maybe I shouldn't be surprised but I thought THE CUSTOMER IS IMPORTANT...... the lad shouted to his manager 'can I go on me break? I'm here for ages yet and not 'ad one'. Without hesitation or thought for ME - THE CUSTOMER the manager shouts back (from somewhere behind) 'yeah go now if you like'. Without a bye your leave, do you want a receipt or thank you, the lad who apparently was serving me, picked up a bundle of baskets and left. (presumably for a pasty and a fag out the back!!)


So the moral behind my tale ------ if you're desperate for fuel nip into Tesco Manor Ave, put enough in to get you to Shell on Cross Street and get some better service for a similar price!!!

Thanks guys, I feel much better for a rant!

W RATING: just because the fuel isn't too badly priced. Didn't have a look round but the Tesco Express seemed to be well enough stocked too for quick snacks. I'll RATE it 2W.


What's your WORD ON cheap fuel or cheap service?
Where's the cheapest fuel in Sale?
Where's the best service station?

Have you been to Tesco Manor Avenue - did I just pick a bad day??