Page 9 - ALG Issue 3 2016

Application of standards
This needs emphasising, particularly in the case of disabled or elderly plot holders who should not be discouraged by too strict an application of the standards.
I was pleased to read on page 40 of issue 1 2016, under the heading “Cultivation Standards Across UK “ the sentence “The Society is keen to see the rules applied fairly and inspections carried out in a way that does not detract from the plot holders enjoyment of having their plot”.
I’ve been an allotmenteer all my adult life and have held my present plot since 1976. But I’m now in my mid 80s, can’t walk very well and suffer from heart failure. Normal intensive vegetable growing is no longer possible. I’ve had to decide whether to give up my plot, or change the management style to one I could cope with. I chose to do the latter.
My plot is now 75% orchard and the remaining 25% I use for growing things that are dif cult to buy (e.g. sweetcorn - 20 minutes from plant to plate, you have to grow your own to do that).
Fortunately, my allotment committee is very supportive. Allotment managers need to be sensitive to the limitations experienced by disabled or elderly people. Failure to do this could be seen as discriminatory.
David Garratt
My Allotment
A poem by Gary Hartley
I like to dig on my allotment for it gives me enjoyment Watering all the plants
as well as all the ants digging the soil over watching worms roll over pulling the carrots up
then taking them home to eat up planting my peas and beans
for this it means the best
after I need a rest
making the insects pollinate more
for the enjoyment is more and more
o where would I be without an allotment bored as heck with no enjoyment
Letter
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IT’S YOUR MAGAZINE!
Have your say...
We always welcome your input into your magazine so keep sending in your thoughts, snippets and articles along with good quality, lively photos.
Images should be
1MB or above if
possible. Please
attach a photo
release form if your photo/s include other individuals (downloadable from www.nsalg.org.uk from the downloads and resources section and in the magazine section within the members area).
Deadline for ALG4.16 is 5th September 2016.
Any questions about submissions please contact us – details on p3.
RECIPES
Our next featured herb of the month is thyme, a herb commonly used in meat dishes but also quite refreshing in a cocktail.
Do you have a favourite recipe including thyme? See competition on p14...you could win a Kikka Digga!
DISCOUNTS
Watch this space!... we are due to launch an of cial NAS online discount scheme. Discounts and bene ts will be available to NAS members via www. nsalg.org.uk
Let us know who your favourite horticultural retailer is and we will make contact and encourage them to offer a saving to NAS members.
CHILDREN ON THE ALLOTMENT
Do you take your children, grandchildren down to the allotment? How do you keep them entertained?
Look out for our ‘boredom buster’ ideas in the next edition including a colouring competition.
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