Page 9 - ALG Issue 1 2022

Reps Q&A
Mike Cantillon – Southern Rep
WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR ROLE?
Meeting and communicating with people from all walks of life and partaking gardening knowledge in
the hope that during dialogues some pearls of wisdom will have been of assistance. It is rewarding when you meet someone, maybe a year later, to be told that the advice given resulted in success.
WHAT ASPIRATIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR YOUR REGION?
The Southern Region covers a large and varied area; not forgetting it includes the Isle of Wight and Jersey. It is appreciated that there are allotmenteers who have no wish to become involved in other aspects of allotmenteering outside of their interest in tending their own plot.
It nevertheless has to be acknowledged that the National Allotment Society plays a significant role in protecting and preserving allotments and without this element, many allotment sites may not exist today for others to benefit from. The important role the NAS plays is often understated and unknown at the grass roots of the allotment movement; I would like to see the role of the NAS given greater prominence so that others may be encouraged to take a more active role at a regional level. I hope to be able to visit more events as well as affiliated (and non-affiliated) allotments to promote the benefits of the NAS,
the important role it undertakes and to encourage others to play an active role at a regional level.
WHAT DEVELOPMENTS WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IN THE ALLOTMENT MOVEMENT?
Allotments are a very valuable commodity that do not receive sufficient acknowledgement of the benefits they can bring to the population. Not only do they facilitate a reduction in food miles, they also assist people to have a varied diet of healthy food. Behind this is a certain amount of physical exercise that can cumulate in a sense of satisfaction from one’s achievements. I would like to see the Government introduce a policy that would require local authorities
to ensure sufficient allotments are provided to meet the needs of a growing population and for the medical profession to give further prominence to the benefits allotmenteering can bring to the health and wellbeing of people.
WHAT DOES YOUR ALLOTMENT AND GROWING YOUR OWN MEAN TO YOU?
I’m not the type of person who can
be content with being idle so, when I retired, I took on an allotment plot as my “work substitute”. Little did I realise then that as time progressed it would become another vocation – albeit a most acceptable one and of my choice. I welcome the challenge each year brings with the unpredictability of what nature is going to present me with. Tending
the plot gives one a purpose in life that combines healthy outdoor exercise with the benefit of knowing how all the tasty produce has been grown. The comradeship and banter that flows across the plots puts another aspect to the joys of life.
HOW HAS ALLOTMENTEERING CHANGED IN THE TIME THAT YOU HAVE BEEN INVOLVED?
My first involvement with allotments was as a child when the family had a plot at the bottom of a valley in East Wales. Water was collected from a nearby river and harvested vegetables were trundled up a steep path on
the side of the valley to home. Seed potatoes and seeds were purchased from the local “ironmongers” shop; many of the then varieties are still available today. Storage of some harvested vegetables has not changed, but the introduction of domestic freezers has made it possible to store a much wider range. Today, stored runner beans from the freezer are certainly more palatable than when they used
to be stored in brine! We have moved away from the era of those in “cloth caps” tending their plots, to them being more family orientated with the “lady of the house” taking a more active role. Over the years science has evolved
and we now know far more about what is good and not so good for growing fruit and vegetables, but there is one fundamental that is unchanged – if we look after the soil we will get good results – the saying “the answer lies in the soil” rings so true.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A NEW PLOTHOLDER?
Planning is a key aid to successful growing as are clean borders to a plot. Rome wasn’t built in a day – likewise, I always advise new plotholders not to attempt to cultivate their plot all in one
The important role the NAS plays is often understated and unknown at the grass roots of the allotment movement
go! A little, but often, works for many, particularly during the growing season. Systematically working through the plot is recommended – prepare an area for sowing, sow or plant in that area and then move onto the next area. Finally
– Don’t sow a whole packet of lettuce seed all in one go!
FAVOURITE CELEBRITY GARDENER/ GARDENING TV SHOW?
I have a “love - hate” relationship
with tv gardening shows and celebrity gardeners. I love the fact that they
do, occasionally, promote vegetable growing to the masses. I do, however, hate the way in which they make it look so easy. It is miraculous how seeds mature to healthy plants ready for harvest without any regular attention to watering or weeding! I suppose I do have an affinity with one gardener who often features on a radio show, but that may be because I was born within a stone’s throw of his allotment!
IS THERE A TOOL OR GARDENING PRODUCT THAT YOU COULD NOT LIVE WITHOUT?
The market is awash with tools
and gardening products that are recommended by the experts. They would cost a fortune to purchase and
I wouldn’t have any room for them all
in my shed! Of the few essential tools I use for gardening, I could not do without my push-pull weeder. Kept clean and shiny, with regular use it quickly uproots emerging weeds for the sun to dry off.
IF YOU ARE NOT ON YOUR ALLOTMENT, WHAT OTHER HOBBIES DO YOU ENJOY?
Little did I realise at the time how useful the woodwork and metalwork skills learnt at school would become
in later years when one’s children,
who have left home and set up on
their own, seek help on projects. In between those times, I enjoy visiting the Devon and Cornwall coastal areas (and occasionally Wales) as well as the parks and gardens of some of the stately homes preserved for public viewing. Sampling the locally produced food is a must when away from home.
SPROUTS OR CARROTS?
Both – but at different times of the year!
Allotment and Leisure Gardener 9