Page 38 - ALG Issue 3 2020

Northern
Northumberland, Cumbria and Durham
Tenacious
Tenant Mandy
Northern Region Mentor, Mike Brannigan, was previously involved in the management of North Tyneside Council’s Allotments. During this time, he got to know and enjoy supporting many new tenants. Late last year he was delighted to find out that Mandy Price, a tenant at the Preston Village site in North Shields, scooped the North Tyneside in Bloom Best Allotment category winner.
This was no surprise to Mike as Mandy has been one determined allotment gardener since she first got her plot
in the spring of 2003. She has a real passion for growing her own produce and is a real asset to the site, having spent time as the site representative liaising between new/existing tenants and the Council.
When Mike recently congratulated her on her recent success, he asked if he could share with ALG readers some of her experiences and achievements. After gentle persuasion, she agreed.
So, here is a list of her allotment history and achievements that are shown in the photographs.
2003 – Mandy got the keys to her plot.
2003 to 2009 – Mandy transformed a previously difficult to-let plot into her growing haven.
2006 to 2009 – Mandy’s 3 children (Lewis 2006, Gemma 2008 and Lorna 2009), as a result of her encouragement, won the best overall Children’s Contribution to the North Tyneside Horticultural Show.
2009 to 2010 – Mandy’s plot was commandeered by the local Water
Authority
to house a
machine store
for a new
sewerage
scheme;
therefore,
Mandy had
an entire
season without growing, and, when she returned, single-handedly reinstated the plot to its previous high standard.
2010 – Mandy, along with other allotments tenants, hosted a Diamond Jubilee ‘Big Lunch’. This event was
so successful as a result of Mandy’s commitment that it was a regional finalist for the Best ‘Big Lunch’ in Northumbria.
Mandy deservedly won the plaudit of Best Plot
2011 to 2018 – Mandy’s plot was runner-up in the North Tyneside Best Allotment Category of their ‘in Bloom’ event.
2012 onwards – Mandy established @ MandysPlotPage on Facebook, where she shares images of her plot and offers advice.
2019 – Mandy deservedly won the plaudit of Best Plot.
38 Allotment and Leisure Gardener