Page 5 - ALG Issue 1 2025

Chairman’s Comments
2024 was a year of change for our organisation with a new leader in the office, a new marketing expert and new admin staff, whilst saying goodbye to
a couple of long serving members of
staff. In the regions, there are three new representatives and a number of new deputies to help with an ever-increasing workload.We launched our new website and not only have the staff at headquarters coped brilliantly with all these changes, there has been an increase in membership of individuals, societies and local authorities. Our ambassadors have proved to be invaluable, and my thanks go out to all of the above.
In addition, we have an ongoing dialogue with the government regarding our mission to get gardening science on the school curriculum and allotments in the local plan.
Whilst applauding the efforts of a couple of organisations to create new allotments, we believe the answer is that local councils should work closely with us to address the ever-increasing waiting lists. Our view is developers should include allotments at the planning stage and existing council-owned allotments should be managed more efficiently.
We aim to increase the benefits for members of the NAS and continue
to develop staff and volunteers with appropriate training. We are nothing if not ambitious and hardworking.
With regard to growing, it was an extremely unusual year for many of us. While in Britain it was the coolest summer for seven years, much of Europe was having heatwaves with temperatures of 40 degrees plus.The floods and storms here and abroad
at the end of last year are good indications that food security means growing as much of our own food as possible... it is common sense. Our theme for allotment week this year is wellbeing and shining a light on
the mental benefits of growing food and flowers; this is more than ever a necessity.
Finally, I hope everyone had a very good Christmas and the new year is going well, so far.
I look forward to seeing many of you at our Annual General Meeting on Saturday 14 June at Woodland Grange, Leamington Spa which this year will be a hybrid meeting, a mixture of members physically present and attending via zoom. PS. If enough request it, I promise to bring my mouth organ and ukelele.
Mike Farrel, Chairman, National Allotment Society
CHAIRMAN’S COMMENTS
Cultivating Health and Wellbeing Together – National Allotments Week 2025 (11–17 August)
National Allotments Week is a time
to celebrate everything that makes allotments special. Set up by The National Allotment Society over two decades ago, it’s aim is to raise awareness of how these havens bring benefits to individuals, communities and the planet. From growing your food, to connecting with others and enjoying the fresh air, allotments are at the heart of wellbeing.
This year’s theme, Allotments and Wellbeing, emphasises how allotments help boost physical, mental, social and nutritional health. From harvesting
vegetables and finding calm in gardening to forming friendships, allotments bring so much joy and purpose to our lives.
It’s also a great time to
remind ever yone how
impor tant it is to protect
these precious spaces. As our towns and cities grow, allotments need our support to keep thriving as places for people and wildlife alike for generations to come.
Stay tuned for updates with ideas, tips, and stories to inspire your celebrations!
Consider hosting a gathering, planting something special, inviting the community to your site, or sharing your allotment journey on social media.
And don’t forget to join
the fun online with hashtags like #Nationalallotmentsweek,
#Nationalallotmentsweek25, and #Allot- mentsandwellbeing.
This National Allotments Week let’s celebrate how allotments enhance well-being and promote happier, healthier and tastier lives!
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Allotment and Leisure Gardener | Issue 1 2025 | 5