Page 48 - ALG Issue 1 2023

Eastern
Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, Essex, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire
Welcome to our new members...
Aston Clinton Parish Council
Batt Hall Allotment Association
Burgess Allotments Cosgrove
Henlow Parish Council
Horndon on the Hill Allotment Association Kings Lynn & West Norfolk
Borough Council Rattlesden Parish Council 11 Individuals
REPRESENTATIVE
Mr Ray How
5 Dalys Road, Rochford, Essex SS4 1RA
07720 719224 ray.how@btopenworld.com
MENTOR
Mark Vincent mvincent.nas@gmail.com
Eastern Region Report
It is a very warm and dry August evening, and we are in the middle of a heatwave. I remember the summer of 1976 and there was no air conditioning in cars or public transport.
However, we coped and, in the autumn, we had rain and more rain. I am sure that we will be able to cope with
this unusual weather. I know that in many areas there are hosepipe bans. As gardeners and plotholders we
are resilient and usually get round problems.
I assumed that plotholders had a degree of common sense. However, I received
a complaint regarding a plotholder on
a site in the region who had lit a bonfire on his plot. This was on one of the hottest days of the summer. There is
a shortage of water and plants, grass and weeds are very dry. I was asked
for advice. I said for a start the person concerned should not have lit the bonfire. He should be made aware of the rules of the site and local council. I was then told that, in their rules, bonfires are allowed at any time of the year if it does not upset neighbouring plotholders. Words failed me. Please consider changing your rules and for plotholders to try to be sensible and consider others and the environment.
Our AGM at Marks Tey was a very
As gardeners and plotholders we are resilient and usually get round problems
enjoyable day with plenty of discussion with members from other regions.
It was a pity that it was not better supported by Eastern Region members. NAS is there for everyone. Without your support we cannot be a strong voice in the allotment movement.
We are still looking for someone to take over as Secretary of Eastern Region. If you are interested, please get in touch.
Please support our region and help it grow stronger.
Ray How, Regional Rep, Eastern Region
HRH Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee celebration barbeque
The beginning of British Summer Time provided the opportunity for holding a barbeque to celebrate
HRH Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. The location was our Gaynes Park Manners Way Allotments & Gardens Association site in the City of Southend-o-s Sea, Essex.
Just by coincidence, the weather on the day was the warmest during the bank holiday weekend and allowed many of our plotholders to attend with family and friends. It was an enjoyable time to meet up with fellow plotholders who, during the year attend the allotment
at various times of the day and are
not often able to meet with fellow members that share the same interests in growing vegetables, fruit and flowers. This allowed them to socialise.
A barbeque of sausages and burgers along with light refreshments was provided, with many attending bringing their own snacks and drinks, making this a very successful day which was appreciated by all those attending
the event. The warm weather and community spirit found many staying to the very end of the afternoon and reluctant to go home.
The association provided the major contribution of raffle prizes with a number of plotholders offering their raffle prize contributions which made a successful fundraiser and was most appreciated.
Working together as a team ensured all aspects of the event were provided with due consideration throughout the day making sure all those attending were made to feel part of the allotment association.
During the Covid pandemic lockdown, the attendance at the allotment became a lifeline for many plotholders. It provided an outlet to attend our plots by giving vital exercise and a sense of wellbeing. This also enabled plotholders
The warm weather and community spirit found many staying to the very end of the afternoon
to maintain the areas ready for planting or attending growing plants. We met government guidelines on social distancing and were still able to enjoy the fresh air and the environment.
Our intention is to build a community hub to encourage new plotholders
and younger members to take up allotments. We have seen during this year an increase in families working together with an evolvement of younger people wanting to share or take on their own plots. Should any plots become available they are taken up immediately, with a progressive waiting list of applicants awaiting the opportunity to meet the challenge.
48 Allotment and Leisure Gardener