Page 6 - ALG Issue 3 2023

President’s
I have previously mentioned how NAS is becoming the envy of many of the comparative organisations as our image improves. Now the high quality of our in-house advisory information and services is opening doors in high places: places where positive changes can be made in favour of our beloved allotments and the movement in general.
‘The future is looking bright.’
I have also previously stated that I am amazed at how our large organisation can operate and provide so many benefits and services for such a minuscule subscription fee. I have looked back and compared the NAS subscription fee with other everyday items. In 1997 the subscription for an affiliate member was £1.26; years later, with small incremental increases, it rose to the exorbitant fee (only joking) of £3 by 2023. The UK’s favourite dish of fish and chips on the other hand were £1.81 in 1997 and rose to an average price of £11.04 by 2023 – and you can double
that in London! In my view if we want to continue improving and making high- level connections to help improve our services, information, and our ability to continue to PROTECT, PROMOTE and PRESERVE our National allotment stock, things will have to change as prices continue to increase. We have got this far due to the goodwill of so few volunteers for the benefit of so many. We are so lucky to have such dedicated volunteers on your behalf. You wouldn’t believe the number of dedicated volunteer hours your Management Committee put into the organisation, and not forgetting the same applies to the Regions.
I recently had the honour of opening a brand-new allotment site. It was a real privilege and I derive a lot of pleasure from being able to look around a
site and discuss the ideas and effort applied to create it. Our Regional Representative also attended too to make them aware of the services we can offer and provide to our members (see the story in the magazine).
The good news is there are many more brand-new allotment sites up and down the country. Housing developers are creating some as part of the Green Space allocation.
Our new ‘21st Century Allotments in New Developments’ booklet created in-house and distributed to the
main planning authorities, and local authorities on request, will hopefully increase this present trend. Not before time, I might add.
Well, we are into the growing season now and all those fair-weather gardeners will be desperately trying to get their plots ready for planting, whilst the more dedicated gardeners, who prepared over winter, will be planting up; I won’t say in leisurely fashion,
but with less panic. I have also seen many examples of leggy seedlings on windowsills, sown too soon and still
too cold outside to plant out. When will we ever learn? I mentioned this to the Daily Telegraph reporter and quoted the saying “ne’er cast a clout till May be out”. Clout is old English for clothes.
I hope you have put in place the winter water harvesting facilities. It doesn’t have to be fancy to be effective. The
The good news is there are many more brand-new allotment sites
up and down the country. Housing developers are creating some as part of the Green Space allocation.
site I am on collects second-hand guttering for anyone to screw to their shed and use, and offers to screw to the sheds of those who cannot afford it or are not able to fit it. We also have voluntary work parties each month
to keep abreast of those tasks not included in the tenancy agreements. It is a good social occasion with free tea and biscuits.
I was also recently invited to visit an allotment site which had been offered a Wildlife Garden Award from the Wildlife Trust, and it was proudly displayed
at the site entrance. It is a simple application form on their website, and
I am sure most allotment sites would fulfil the requirements. Are you aware the NAS has weatherproofed signs for your allotment site gate? Apply for one now and help promote your site and the allotment movement in general.
Don’t forget to register your site as
an Asset Of Community Value (ASV). Just contact your local council. It is an easy and free(!) process, yet a good safeguard for your site.
Have a wonderful growing season, and don’t forget that you are so lucky to have an allotment.
Phil Gomersall, President
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6 Allotment and Leisure Gardener