Page 55 - ALG Issue 3 2021

Royal Calling
for the Society
“What does the NSALG stand for?’’ asked Prince Charles, pointing towards the logo on my shirt and pronouncing the letters, as a young child just learning their alphabet would, but in a jovial way. I explained what it stood for, and what our Society does. That opened up a long and interesting discussion with the Prince that also included organic gardening, which we are both passionate about; but as I commented, I do not like wild claims that are associated with it. That started an in-depth discussion between us, with the Prince indicating that he would like to know more about allotments. That
is when his secretary, unfortunately, moved him on. I have lost my diaries, but the date would be in the first years of the century.
It all began when Shirley Fleetwood asked me to design and build a garden at the Pearl East of England Show. I was a little hesitant, after all there is
a lot of work and organisation to such an event – not to mention cost, but Shirley assured me that everything would be provided. We turned up at the Peterborough showground and, after going through the usual formalities in the office, we were given directions to our site, and sure enough there was
a fenced off area with a large pile of compost in it. So, we started work.
Shortly after the show manager came over and after introductions, he gave me some indication of how he wanted the garden to look. He then took me down to a local garden centre, introduced me to the manager who told me I could take anything I wanted as long as I signed for it, and that I had the use of
a 7-tonne lorry with a tailgate. He also addedIwastobeputupinaB&Band that a buffet would be provided on the day for us. I thought at the time it was
a little strange, after all the garden was being done on behalf of the NSALG; their marquee had already been erected on site. I shrugged it off – why look a
gift horse in the mouth? Work was well
underway when the show manager reappeared with fresh instructions: there had been a change of plan, he wanted gardening hazards incorporated into the garden. His idea was to have
a competition with visitors passing through the garden writing down as many faults as they could find. The one with the most would win a prize. This apparently was part of the theme for the show.
On the day of the show all was going well. Then, the show manager revealed that the garden had been requested
by the Prince, so that was why I could have anything I requested. Why they kept it from me I don’t know. This also put more pressure on us. After all, we were presenting a garden to the Prince on behalf of our Society. Shortly after,
a couple of smartly dressed men came on the garden asking me questions,
but more interested in examining the garden. When they disappeared, an Alsatian dog came sniffing around the garden, accompanied by two policemen. Security checks complete.
Then, about lunchtime, this large intimidating helicopter came into
land next to the site, and out came Prince Charles with his entourage. He eventually got around to our garden, and moving down our line he started talking to me, as stated, about our Society and organic gardening methods. He impressed me with his honest
In 2011, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales kindly agreed to become the Patron of the Society
forthright comments – he really knows his gardening. His secretary eventually intervened to move him on at a crucial moment when he was indicating an interest in our Society. She then popped back, and with the air and tone of an old-type headmistress said: “What were you talking about to the Prince? You have put the schedule right back.” Two to tango sprung to mind, but I just kept quiet.
The garden was very successful, with
a lot taking part in the competition,
and surprisingly a lot of the dignitaries. Our Society was well publicised, and a cracking buffet lunch was laid on for us in our marquee. Hard work, but a super day for all.
Rob Foster
Allotment and Leisure Gardener 55