Page 8 - ALG Issue 4 2014 Digital Edition

International
International Congress Utrecht 2014
Having just returned from Utrecht and the International General Assembly and Congress I am pleased to report a steady increase in international awareness of the importance of allotments in whatever form.
The interpretation of allotments on the continent is very diverse. Some countries allow buildings that can accommodate a small family staying for the Summer season. In some cases the plot may well be used as merely an ornamental garden or simply escapism from the hustle and bustle of city life. Allotment plots are often situated within the city itself forming a ‘garden village’ of its own with public access so that an extended community can enjoy the calm atmosphere and the wildlife. Plots vary in size and some grow just ornamental or just food and some grow both.
It is also pleasing to note the number of excellent projects in the international arena encouraging children into gardening, ensuring access to all special needs categories of all ages and abilities, whilst actively encouraging and preserving wildlife. On this note, we are pleased to announce that during the closing ceremony I was proud to receive, on behalf of the PONTNEWYNYDD Allotment Association, an International Diploma for their creation of raised beds and facilities enabling people with disabilities to garden. Well done Pontnewynydd.
Allotments make for a great community spirit within the urban environment. One such site we heard about is slap bang in the middle of an area surrounded by high rise office blocks and each day the local workers are welcome to wander around and
sit. They may eat their lunch in a tranquil and green
oasis and chat to the local residents and enjoy the
thriving wildlife encouraged into the urban jungle.
The administration of these sites is by the residents and their Allotment Association and they have some excellent ideas. A section of the tenant’s agreement asks them to sign up to three hours work on the communal areas of their site three or four times a
year. There are penalties if they do not and indeed possible eviction may ensue. It is well administered
and organised so that everyone participates and
knows when and what their contribution of work entails.
In France, however, the allotments are much the same as in
Britain where the main focus is on growing food with just a tool shed allowed on plots, predominantly for those wishing to be self-sufficient in feeding their families. They also have similar legislation.
The Congress business:
The Congress was attended by a large number of international delegates and it was pleasing to see many new members and guest countries in attendance. It was a very full three days.
There were many fine lectures including those from the Chair
of COST (Cooperation in Science and Technology) and the polish media publicist, Magdalena Zaliwska entitled ‘Campaigning and Media Strategy’ which brought success to the legislation created to save the future of allotments in Poland.
All in all an excellent group of presentations from many countries on the work on allotments in their countries, including the UK.
Towards the end of the congress we heard a farewell speech from Chris Zydeveld who departs as President and the inauguration of Wilhelm Wohatschek of Austria as the new president followed by his inauguration speech.
Site visits around Utrecht were of particular interest enabling discussion with the actual tenants and the association representatives. The reception was given by the Mayor at the central Utrecht site surrounded by office blocks and the presentation by
the Office International to the Mayor and the city, of the Golden Rose awarded for their environmental activities and support of the allotments in Utrecht.
Conclusions:
This year’s congress focused on individual allotments with reference to the wider picture.
As allotmenteers and societies we are internationally aware of the amazing benefits that allotments bring to society as a whole, economically, socially, environmentally, educationally and bio diversely but what do the rest of society know about us? The word needs to be spread wider.
They must learn of the enormous economic savings made to society coupled with the environmental impact of allotments. Economically, there are savings of food production and distribution, food miles, packaging etc and the savings in health care both physical and mental because of the ‘Allotment community’. There are also the educational aspects, not only for children but for adults too. All manner of subjects surround allotments...growing, biology, science, art, cooking, pruning, ancient crafts etc. There are so many benefits, too many to mention!
We must make sure that allotments and the work they do are forever in the minds of the people and especially the people who govern our lives.
Let us all make a concerted effort to work with the media, from local to county to country to international recognition. Every week
in every village, town, city there needs to be news of events, competitions, projects, success stories or fun failures, anniversaries of sites, oldest tenants, youngest tenants, and longest serving members. Let us tell those who don’t know how beneficial this is. Shout about how many tonnes of produce your site has produced this year, how much produce has been donated to good causes, how much funding has been given to local causes; the list is endless.
Always inform all media (newspapers, magazines, TV and radio) before an event and send in a report with pictures after if they are unable to attend. Invite local dignitaries, Mayors, MPs (very important) even local, national, international celebrities if you can. When the time comes for action then the support will be overwhelming if we have done our jobs well and a public outcry will ensue if allotments come under threat. Our actions must be continuous, not only when threatened. It is often too late then to summon enough support.
So the overall message is to work together locally, nationally, internationally to share our pride in what the allotment community contributes for the benefit of society to positively publicise this wonderful ‘institution’ to which we all belong, to wake up the world and it’s governing bodies to Allotment Power!!
Karen Kenny President
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Some local authorities embrace allotments and support development
Some local authorities embrace allotments and support development of new innovative practices whilst a large number actively look upon them
as areas of future development, be it housing or commercial. This is often because of their lack of knowledge of the benefits.