Page 8 - ALG Issue 1 2023

Reps Q&A
Colin Bedford
West Midlands Regional Deputy Rep
WHAT IS THE BEST THING
ABOUT YOUR ROLE?
Visiting other sites and talking to plotholders. You can often pick up ideas/good practice which can then be passed on to others.
WHAT ASPIRATIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR YOUR REGION?
The West Midlands covers a large area from the top of Staffordshire to the bottom of Warwickshire, and across from Shropshire to Rugby, and includes Birmingham. We have areas where we have lots of members and others where our penetration is low.
One aim is to increase membership in those parts of the region where our membership rates are poor. The second aim is to establish a training programme for committee members to enable them to carry out their roles as effectively as possible.
WHAT DEVELOPMENTS WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IN THE ALLOTMENT MOVEMENT?
National recognition of the importance of allotments. The benefits are many, including health and well-being, reduction in the carbon footprint, sustainability and biodiversity. I’m sure others could add to this.
WHAT DOES YOUR ALLOTMENT/ GROWING YOUR OWN MEAN TO YOU?
For me, it’s a hobby. If and when it becomes a chore, then it’s time to
give up! Our site has views over the Shropshire hills and that, alongside the friendliness of my fellow plotholders, is worth their weight in gold.
HOW HAS ALLOTMENTEERING/NAS CHANGED IN THE TIME THAT YOU HAVE BEEN INVOLVED?
There is a growing awareness of the need to be more environmentally friendly. More work still needs to
be done, but certainly this has been developed a lot more in recent years.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A NEW PLOTHOLDER?
Always work, whether digging or setting up no dig beds, so you can see what you achieved rather than what you still have to work on.
IS THERE A TOOL OR GARDENING PRODUCT THAT YOU COULD NOT LIVE WITHOUT?
This might be a bit controversial, but I’m becoming a fan of non-woven weed suppressant. It is a quick and effective way of mulching.
For me, it’s a hobby. If and when it becomes a chore, then it’s time to give up!
FAVOURITE CELEBRITY GARDENER/ GARDENING TV SHOW?
Beechgrove. Down to earth (pardon the pun) good gardening advice.
IF YOU ARE NOT ON YOUR ALLOTMENT, WHAT OTHER HOBBIES DO YOU ENJOY?
I’m not sure whether being a grandparent is a hobby, but it definitely brings me a lot of joy. I’m a bit of a spreadsheet freak!
SPROUTS OR CARROTS?
Sprouts.
WHAT IS YOUR MOST SUCCESSFUL VEGETABLE SHOW ENTRY?
I’m still waiting to find out as I’ve not submitted any entries to a show. I grow to eat, I don’t grow to show.
For Allotment Associations & Gardening Groups
Veg in trays of about 130 plants
Onions, brassicas, herbs, chard, leafy salads
delflandorganic S
– Peat Free
@organicplantsuk
COFBorncarli
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Smiths of the Forest of Dean The Tank and Drum Experts
Buy rainsavers, IBCs, water butts and taps from stock. Take a look at our online shop for fittings and some tanks and drums.
Plastic Storage Drums —
New food grade, waterproof for general garden storage or animal feed. Popular with gardeners, home brewers and cider makers. New and recycled drums.
Collection or nationwide delivery available. www.smdd.co.uk 01594 833308
8 Allotment and Leisure Gardener