Page 6 - ALG Issue 1 2023

President’s
scribblings
HAPPY NEW YEAR to all our members and I do hope you had a pleasant Christmas with all those homegrown vegetables for Christmas Dinner.
Writing these scribblings in November gives me the opportunity to look back over the past year; and what a positive year it has been. Writing this last year at this same time, it was snowing quite heavily. It might be wet, but at least it is not snowing now.
Covid is still lurking in the background and is not brought to our attention
in the same way by the media, but
it is still quite extensive. In general, however, despite this fact we have managed to have many face-to-face meetings throughout the year, which is much better. Although Zoom has been a pain in many respects, it does save a lot of travel expenses which have been diverted to many aspects of improvement for our organisation and the allotment movement. Zoom
is still used quite extensively however, and allows participation for many who would otherwise be unable to do so.
I mentioned last year how there had been many new initiatives, most of which have been extremely positive and with beneficial outcomes, e.g., webinars for local authorities, town and parish councils and allotment associations. These webinars continue to develop, expanding the range of issues they cover. One of the most recent events for the afore mentioned organisations was a whole day learning programme on ‘all aspects of plot inspections’. It was so well received by the participants that another session was immediately booked for next year. The more people that know what the proper processes and procedures are and how to implement them correctly has got to be beneficial to the allotment movement.
I shall mention again this year, that applying for your site to become an ‘asset of community value’ is a very simple process and gives a breathing
space should your site ever come under threat of disposal for whatever reason.
National Allotments Week was a huge success this year with a massive increase in positive media attention which is always good for our image. Some larger organisations are now recognising the many positives our organisation has to offer and in turn are offering inclusivity in their events; very gratifying.
We have participated in many shows up and down the country, e.g., Welsh Royal, Gardeners World Live, Malvern, Tatton and Harrogate to mention but
a few, many of which I have attended. Many open days by sites have also been had; this is all positive publicity for the allotment movement. We are always seeking volunteers for these events;
if you can help don’t be shy, put your name forward; it can be great fun.
These are exciting times. Not only
did we have a successful National Allotments Week but we are also part way into a major allotment mapping project, which is very exciting. Then the crème de la crème, the development
of the new ‘21st Century, Allotments in New Developments’ booklet, a guide for Government, Planners and Developers. This has been developed in house
with research and compilation by our Research and Development Officer
Many open days by sites have also been had; this is all positive publicity for the allotment movement
and the booklet created by our new Marketing and PR Co-ordinator, as guidance for planners and developers looking to include allotments in new developments, a concept which is happening with more frequency as time goes on.
Well, the topsy turvy weather has been very demanding with regards to the growing of fruit and vegetables, with soft and hard fruit generally doing very well but with variable results dependant on location in the country. The very dry and very wet conditions have created all sorts of problems. My potatoes were a bit of a disaster as I didn’t get around to mulching them in that hot weather; never mind I had some good fruit. Some you win, some you lose.
I always think winter is a very important time of year in the growing calendar when preparing for the next growing season. If you have had problems
with water shortage, now is the time to ensure you have water harvesting facilities in place on your plot ready for next year. We have a whole range of new leaflets giving practical guidance available on this topic.
Wishing you a prosperous, healthy, and happy allotment gardening year.
Phil Gomersall
6 Allotment and Leisure Gardener