Page 53 - ALG Issue 4 2023

London
London
REPRESENTATIVE
Terry Dickinson
07789 485331 tdickinson.nas@gmail.com
DEPUTY REPRESENTATIVE Paula Owen
paula.owen@hotmail.co.uk
DEPUTY REPRESENTATIVE Alan Marsh
London Book Review
This part of the London page never set out to be a predictor of new and fashionable books which would surprise you with astonishing revelations and new discoveries. I just can’t read fast enough anyway.
Sometimes we need to look back into the past for the knowledge, wisdom and common sense which was displayed before our time (a bit dramatic but people do seem to have shorter memories!).
If there is anyone writing about gardening, plants, chemicals, garden wildlife and growing food in the past
10 years with more common sense than Ken Thompson, then I have yet
to discover them. But, it is not just common-sense, because it is all backed up by understandable evidence, plus a brilliant writing style.
‘The Sceptical Gardener – the thinking person’s guide to good gardening’ was published in 2015. I wish that I had read it much sooner. Go on – buy it!
Just turn to page 166 – Allotment Soil: “The policy lessons are clear, but I’ll spell them out anyway. Encouraging people to grow their own food simultaneously targets food security, improves the well known (physical and psychological) health benefits of gardening, and
helps reduce climate change, flooding, pollution and erosion. You seriously want to save the planet? Give us the tools, and the land, and we – gardeners - will do it for you.” That was back in 2015!
What else is there to say – apart
from talk to your MP, local councillor, allotment officer, greenspace managers and so many more.
alanmarsh.nas@gmail.com
Welcome to our new members... 14 Individuals
1 Landowner
Park Road Allotments, Isleworth –
Public Inquiry
A Public Inquiry : Northumberland Estates
This Public Inquiry took place over four days from 1-4 August at Hounslow House, Hounslow.
The first thing to say is that the entire recording of this inquiry is free to view via the Hounslow Council website alongside all the documentation. It is fascinating viewing and reading.
I personally attended for one day in support of Park Road Allotments and submitted two written statements.
The NAS submitted an expert witness statement in support of Hounslow Council which is incorporated in their documents.
This was the first public inquiry that I have attended and, once witnessing the standards of presentation, analysis and interrogation on (free) view, I really think I ought to attend more!
Hounslow Council are defending a local green space against development. Within this local green space is the Park Road Allotments.
I came away from my day at the inquiry
with an enormous sense of gratitude and encouragement at the amount of time, effort and preparation that the Hounslow Council team, legal and planning, had clearly put into this project. This is alongside the people from Park Road Allotments who have been fighting this battle for a good few years – such stamina and dedication.
Whilst there are people of this ability and determination to support local green spaces and allotment provision then I am heartily encouraged.
Many thanks.
David Alan Spicer
26th Sept 1945 – 25th August 2023
We recently said a sad farewell to David Spicer. David was our London Region Treasurer.
Our deepest sympathies are with Wendy, Lib, Eddie, Roy, Amy and other members of his family.
David was an avid gardener, both on and off allotments. He had a plot at Hoxton Manor for over 50 years and grew prodigious amounts of vegetables with his wife Wendy.
Another thing that David cultivated avidly was committee memberships. He was Chair of Hoxton Manor allotments, and in over 30 years held various offices in the Walthamstow Towns Allotments Association committee. More recently, he was a founder member and Treasurer of NAS London Region.
David’s family chose this quote from Satish Kumar for his order of service:
The Latin word humus means soil. The words human, humility and humus all come from the same root. When humans lose contact with soil, they are no longer humans.
David had soil in his soul. We will miss him.
Allotment and Leisure Gardener 53