Page 33 - ALG Issue 3 2021

2) IT IS PROPOSED THAT THE
NAS SHOULD SPONSOR AN “AMBASSADOR APPRENTICESHIP” IN GARDENING, PRESENTED BY LIBBY EARLE
With a major in kitchen gardening, this proposition would lead to a qualification at a minimum of level 3 (but possibly
a graduate apprenticeship) in order to attract a reasonably mature and able young person. With the help of NAS, the sponsored apprentice would engage with the gardening press, social and broadcasting media. The aim would
be to provide a high-profile insight into kitchen gardening, with a view to the promotion of food growing for families and in the community generally, and of the allotment movement. Most importantly, the apprenticeship should help to engage a younger generation.
The NAS could either wholly employ
the apprentice or sponsor a significant element of his/her apprenticeships costs with a partner organisation (such as, for example, the National Trust or the RHS) and provide/arrange suitable placements and supervision during training.
The sponsorship should be competed for on a national basis and NAS could ensure the selection of a suitably engaged, able, outgoing and media savvy candidate.
Costs would include approximately two years of the National Minimum Wage at 30 hours/week and possibly some associated costs (e.g., travel/ subsistence on NAS business) and 5% of course costs (95% of course costs should be covered by the Government).
• Responsefromthemembership
Libby Earle explained in more detail course Level 2 GCSE – Level 3 higher 1 day per week at college for 18/24 months for 17/18-year-old and to provide strong links between NAS training and lifelong learning.
One delegate expressed concerns that this is not the correct organisation, nor has the level of expertise or have the professional training facilities. RHS partnership was suggested. Need to examine routes carefully, with full costings for academic year 2023.
• Motion 2 was seconded and a vote taken on Motion 2 – Motion passed
NOMINATIONS AND AWARDS
John Irwin explained that lack of nominations this year was due to Covid-19 and that the Regional AGMs were not held prior to January 4th when, under NAS rules, this is the deadline.
Therefore, a number of regional representatives will have to be co- opted until the next AGM due to held
on 18 June in Marks Tey, Essex. Terry Dickinson has already been co-opted as the London Region Representative.
President Phil Gomersall presented the awards:
• The Geoff Stokes Memorial Award -
Dave Rawlins
• Honorary Life Member - Stewart
Manyweathers, nominated by Westfield Allotments Society
Phil also thanked outgoing regional representatives, Neil Dixon, Jenny Crawford and Jeff Barber for all their work, although Jeff is still involved with the NAS Strategy.
John Irwin welcomed Andrew Tokely from Kings Seeds who had come along to answer some gardening questions from the delegates.
John Irwin closed the meeting by thanking Andrew for attending, Jenny and all delegates.
Meeting closed 12.30pm
ANNUAL REPORT
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
It is St George’s Day and Shakespeare’s birthday, and I think a great day
to reflect on what has been a very interesting year. It has been the
year of lockdowns, Covid infections, vaccinations, stress and mitigated through the success of the scientists, researchers and NHS in keeping the nation healthy.
A second success is that I think
the whole allotment and gardening community has coped with the isolation and mental pressure in many ways far better than other sectors of the general population. I have no scientific evidence for this, but as we move into a warm summer, I think there is a feeling of relief and hope for the future.
The high point of the year for me
was Michael Gove saying allotment gardening was an activity that could be done in lockdown. I, like many other allotment holders, took advantage of that. Some plots received a furlough
A second success is that I think the whole allotment and gardening community has coped with the isolation and mental pressure in many ways far better than other sectors of the general population. I have no scientific evidence for this, but as we move into a warm summer,
I think there is a feeling of relief and hope for the future
makeover, and are looking better than they have for a long time.
Coming out of lockdown, many plotholders have used their furlough time to make their allotments as perfect as they can, but many other allotment holders, having been advised by their doctors, have continued to isolate and keep away from their plots for fear of Covid infection.
As a result, these isolating allotment holders’ plots have become overgrown and weedy. Some overzealous committees have pointed accusatory fingers and blamed those plotholders for letting the weeds grow. This is unfair and unkind.
If plotholders have been isolating, their plots might be a mess, but, with a little bit of help, they could be back under control again and given help not blame. Council allotment officers were and are still being bombarded with allotment requests; some have closed their waiting lists, something we cannot agree with, but some other areas are creating community growing groups to help to satisfy the demand. Allotment waiting lists have doubled and trebled during 2020-21; the easiest way to
deal with them surely is to create
more allotments. Thank goodness that many major house building companies have been persuaded to include allotment sites within their housing developments.
Similar occasions have occurred where more robust site members, worried about a site’s organisation, have taken it upon themselves to call Annual General Meetings, and have felt a need to get organised for the future, often without consultation with the actual committee. Such enthusiasm is to be commended, misdirected though it maybe.
By all means step into the breach
and fill that gap, but consult and communicate with the existing committee, who I’m sure will welcome new blood and fresh ideas.
One worrying aspect of the growth
in demand for allotments is the realisation by many councils that allotments can be used to generate funds, and although traditionally allotments were paid for by a tiny portion of the housing rates, now they are viewed as to be cost neutral. Head Office has heard of large percentage price rises in the rent for allotments in many areas, and in some concessions for unwaged and over 65s and being reduced.
Hopefully, after June, when the
country opens up, restriction of social gatherings is lifted, and if the majority of allotment holders have been vaccinated for Covid, then we might return to normal.
I realise that this is a lot of ifs, but if all that occurs, we might see a welcome
Allotment and Leisure Gardener 33