Page 6 - ALG Issue 4 2021

President’s
scribblings
Although there are risks of further Covid outbreaks, it feels that life is a little more relaxed and normal now. I have attended two shows already in my region and am planning to attend two more shortly. Although I have not had
a promotional stand at these shows, I always promote our organisation both verbally and visually. Hopefully I shall start with a stand and participation with talks at the Harrogate Spring Flower Show next year. Something for me to look forward to.
I am really pleased with the positive reactions to the webinars we are conducting on allotment management with local authorities, town and
parish councils; the feedback has
been extremely encouraging. Things keep moving forward and the next development is to offer the same to allotment site officers, as many officers are elected not quite knowing what
the role entails although we do have much documentation about allotment management if requested.
Also being developed are some practical growing presentations to be aimed at novice plotholders. These are exciting times.
Even though this year has brought some extremes of weather, many crops
www.reminscotland.com
have done very well. I thought I had done something special with my giant cauliflowers, but it appears many have had similar splendid results. My wife and I picked the black grapes from
my vine, and I spent a whole evening stripping the stalks and crushing the grapes (not with my feet, I might add!). Needless to say, I have 15 litres of bubbling red wine on the go. When I get my damson wine brewing and my pear perry, our house will be just like a brewery.
Although Allotments Week was difficult this year with all the restrictions, it still ended up doing extremely well. With allotments being flavour of the month this year, our publicity did very well, with appearances on television, radio, and the tabloid press. National Allotments Week seems to be going from strength to strength, gaining more momentum and participation every year, which is very good for our public image.
Well, it is a little early, but I have noticed some leaves are beginning to fall from the trees, and the nights are drawing in. I quite like the winter months and being a digger, I really enjoy the exercise of turning the sod and the rich smell of the earth. There is also the added bonus that weeds don’t grow so profusely,
and I always have some winter crops to
With allotments being flavour of the month this year, our publicity did very
harvest: parsnips, cabbages and leeks to name but a few.
It may seem a little early, but our next
Gift a gardener...
Give a keen plotholder a year’s individual membership to the NAS with an NAS Gift Card
£23 PA plus a £1 share*
A wealth of knowledge and resources are available to members!
Email natsoc@nsalg.org.uk for more information, or visit www.nsalg.org.uk
*first year plus additional £1 share payment
6 Allotment and Leisure Gardener
• Improve soil condition with minerals & trace elements • Boost soil’s natural capacity to capture & store carbon
• Encourage beneficial soil-living organisms
• Grow healthier plants, vegetables & lawns
“Autumn is ideal season to add REMIN!”
volcanicrockdust
REMIN_rockdust
T: 01285 860015 Jen: 07715 707009 sales@agralan.co.uk
issue isn’t until 2022; I don’t wish well to spread alarm and panic, but I do wish you Happy Gardening, a Merry
Christmas, and a Happy New Year.
Phil Gomersall