Page 9 - ALG Issue 3 2023

Reps Q&A Mark Joynes
WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR ROLE?
Meeting people and seeing how different allotment associations’ function. Giving advice that helps
an association overcome obstacles.
In the first four months of being a Regional Rep, I have supported several associations struggling in how they operate, and though at association level the problem is seen as a ‘clash
of personalities’, there is often an organisational reason for the problem. It is also a pleasure to see thriving associations where members are actively involved in the running and development of their association.
WHAT ASPIRATIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR YOUR REGION?
I would love to see more interaction between associations, sharing examples of good practice. Within a 10-mile radius of where I live, there are more than half a dozen allotment associations, yet
in the 15 years I have been a member of our local allotment association, I can recall only a handful of occasions we have contacted another to share experiences of allotmenteering.
WHAT DEVELOPMENTS WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IN THE ALLOTMENT MOVEMENT?
I would love to see a better flow of
ideas and communication between all areas of the movement, from individual members in different associations, landowners and leaseholders and within the NAS. It would be nice to see a wider cross section of society represented within the structure of the NAS.
WHAT DOES YOUR ALLOTMENT/ GROWING YOUR OWN MEAN TO YOU?
A mixed blessing. It’s great to harvest the fruits of your labour and I have a warm glow of smug, self-righteous satisfaction when, from March to October, I pop onto the allotment first thing in the morning and pick
a wide variety of soft fruit to put on my breakfast cereal. However, when struggling to keep on top of the couch grass and rampant bindweed with which my plot is blessed it’s easy to forget the positives.
HOW HAS ALLOTMENTEERING/NAS CHANGED IN THE TIME THAT YOU HAVE BEEN INVOLVED?
More families are involved; there is more emphasis on sustainable practices
and a wider range of crops are grown. NAS seems to have taken on a more campaigning role and seems to have shifted up a gear in the last 18 months. I love the social media presence.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A NEW PLOTHOLDER?
Don’t ask an old man for advice in spring, he’ll still be talking in autumn!
FAVOURITE CELEBRITY GARDENER/ GARDENING TV SHOW?
Not that bothered with either, though
I always learn something interesting when Toby Buckland’s about.
IS THERE A TOOL OR GARDENING PRODUCT THAT YOU COULD NOT LIVE WITHOUT?
My old slurry fork, bought by my partner years ago. I replaced the wood wormed handle when it snapped with a branch from a goat willow tree, and it’s still going strong 18 years on. It’s great for turning the compost and bagging up dung.
In 2019, in a pitiful attempt to impress a grandson, I took up karate. He’s now a black belt and I’m going backwards, but it’s good fun.
IF YOU ARE NOT ON YOUR ALLOTMENT, WHAT OTHER HOBBIES DO YOU ENJOY? Grandchildren. Also, I help teach hedge laying skills with the Devon Rural Skills Trust and take part in a few competitions in the South West. I volunteer in the Walled Kitchen Garden at the National Trust’s Knightshayes Court. In 2019, in a pitiful attempt to impress a grandson, I took up karate. He’s now a black belt and I’m going backwards, but it’s good fun.
SPROUTS OR CARROTS?
I’ll have second helpings of each.
WHAT IS YOUR MOST SUCCESSFUL VEGETABLE SHOW ENTRY?
Success is not the word I associate with my show entries. My most recent least unsuccessful entry was in the ‘giant sunflower’ category. What looked like
a whopper on the allotment proved to be less than impressive when lined up with the other entries. But it’s taking part that counts, whether in allotment associations or other aspects of society; taking an active role in your community helps it flourish and thrive.
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Allotment and Leisure Gardener 9