Page 60 - ALG Issue 4 2014 Digital Edition

Southern
Southern Success!
Reading about the Leeds and District Allotment Gardeners Federation in Issue 3 reminded us about how excited we were to discover fellow Allotmenteers at this years Chelsea Flower Show in May.
As novice allotment holders (now into our third year) we are
well and truly hooked! An idea for a new hobby took four years in the making (due to the waiting list at our local site at Gays Lane, Holyport) but we held on to our vision and imagined that it wouldn’t be too long before we would be sitting on our allotment bench watching the early evening sun go down whilst reaping the benefits of our hard work.
The first year was digging, digging, weeding and more digging – a familiar story – finding the odd leak and potato from the previous owner who unfortunately hadn’t managed to maintain the plot for a
few years. The second year we started planning, planting, putting in raised beds and talking to many of our wonderful allotment neighbours who are great fun and always ready to give advice. In that same year we exhibited at Chelsea and much to our surprise we received a ‘Highly Commended Award’. Staying motivated after that was easy and in the summer of year three we achieved First Prize! This, of course, is just the beginning of our long and fruitful journey.
So thanks to the team from Leeds for listening, looking at our photos and for the advice we received. We look forward to seeing you all again next year!
Terri Simpson and Sheila Bahra-Morgan
Gays Lane Allotments
Holyport, Maidenhead, Berks
National Allotments Week Open day in Wokingham
An open afternoon was held at Ormonde Road allotments site on Saturday 9th August 2014 in support of National Allotments Week. The event was jointly organised by Wokingham Horticultural Association (established 1953) and the Town Council. It was a great opportunity for allotmenteers and neighbours to come together to celebrate allotment gardening in all its glory.
Town Mayor Cllr Martin Bishop kindly opened proceedings and then spent the afternoon looking at the plots and talking with all of the visitors. We estimate that we had over 100 people attending.
Many delicious cakes were made and
eaten with voluntary donations to the Mayor’s 2014 charity, Barnardo’s High Close School; over £110 was donated.
Mr Geen, a local beekeeper, sold his excellent honey and Jack the Juggler entertained the kids.
The make-a-bug hotel competition for children attracted some brilliant entries. Likewise the “photographs from your plot” competition for oldies was won by 14 year old Jean Bout! His dripping tap, raspberries and lettuces were particularly well received. All in all it was a lovely afternoon in the sun.
Pauline MacBrayne, organiser, allotment tenant and Horticultural Association committee member said “It was wonderful
to talk with so many people over a cup of tea and to welcome newcomers that are interested in taking on a plot”.
Paul Smith
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