Page 5 - ALG Issue 3 2020

President’s
scribblings
Well, our ninetieth year of existence will certainly be remembered – but not for the reasons we would like to remember it for. It is a great shame we had to cancel the AGM, which would have been very special for all, but especially for our honorary Vice Presidents who, for the first time ever, would have been having an anniversary dinner prior to the AGM.
At the time of writing this, I have not seen my allotment for 11 weeks 3 days 13 hours and 30 minutes. I would imagine I am not on my own in this situation, being shielded; I have put a short article in the Yorkshire section about how I have been blown away with the kindness and generosity of my fellow plotholders.
This pandemic has been a worrying time and a sad time for some, and my sympathies go out to those families that have suffered hardship or bereavement.
However, on a more positive note, it has been an extremely beneficial time for our beloved allotment movement as communities have seen first-hand the multitude of benefits that can be
derived from allotments. Why, even our patron, HRH Prince Charles, has stated in a recent television interview ‘green recovery should be at the centre of the way forward’ and ‘measures should be taken to improve and protect our biodiversity after the pandemic is over’. The general public has watched on in envy seeing plotholders enjoying being out in the sunshine and fresh air, getting exercise, and picking their fresh produce and getting out of the house and being able to communicate with others yet still complying with social distancing rules, and they are now clambering to get an allotment plot for themselves.
An incredibly positive image has
been created in the minds of many
and, as a result, you will probably be aware there has been a huge increase in demand for allotments; a 500% increase in some parts of the country, resulting in some very healthy waiting lists. Unfortunately, we are still seeing some councils closing their waiting lists. I personally consider this very, very wrong as it creates a totally false impression of demand and many people are put off applying a second time.
I believe our staff at Head Office and Di Appleyard in Bristol have done a sterling job working from home during this pandemic period
Now is the time we should be shouting even louder and influencing our local authorities and planning department about the importance of allotments in the community.
I would like to add at this point that
I believe our administration staff at Head Office and Di Appleyard in Bristol have done a sterling job working from home during this pandemic period. The regularly updated Covid-19 advice has been greatly appreciated and welcomed by all allotment sites and councils alike and yet they still managed to deal with and cope with the increased demand of enquiries over this period. Thank you all for the splendid job you have done.
In addition, your Management Committee have still been continually active, having weekly Zoom meetings to make decisions for our organisation, to ensure things are keeping up with the times and that our organisation continues to remain on track and moving forwards.
Keep safe and keep well.
Phil Gomersall
How far back do you go?
2020 sees the 90th Anniversary of the National Allotment Society. To celebrate, we will be looking back at the history of the NAS – but what about the history of your allotment plot or site?
Send us a snapshot or two that you feel defines your allotment’s history, and your photos could feature in our 2020 Anniversary editions of the magazine.
PAST & PRESENT...
Decades or months, your allotment doesn’t have to be many years old to take part!
Submitting your images:
• Weappreciatethatolderimagesmaynotbeavailableinthebestresolutionbutsuggest
that 300dpi high resolution photos are best.
• Providecaptions–Whenandwherewerethephotostaken? • Emailto:jodie@crestpublications.com
Eco-Loos.com
Composting toilets for allotments, gardens and and community spaces. From £1395. Affordable, easy maintenance, waterless and eco friendly. Delivered fully assembled.
• eco-loos@hotmail.co.uk • www.eco-loos.com • 01269 871774 • • Faerie-Thyme, Crwbin, Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire, SA17 5DR •
Allotment and Leisure Gardener 5