Page 11 - ALG Issue 4 2022

Reps Q&A
Ray How – Eastern
WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR ROLE?
Visiting various allotment sites and meeting with like-minded plotholders. They come from all walks of life and different nationalities. They have great stories to tell and good advice.
WHAT ASPIRATIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR YOUR REGION?
Eastern region is one of the largest regions within NAS and is very diverse. I would hope that I can bring all members within the region together and to work together. This in turn would mean a better strength and understanding to the organisation and the members.
WHAT DEVELOPMENTS WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IN THE ALLOTMENT MOVEMENT? Allotments are very important to the community, and I would like to see all allotments recognised as a community asset. I would also like to see the Government ensure that all towns and villages are provided with sufficient allotments for all residents.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A NEW PLOTHOLDER?
Clear and plant as you go. Grow what you like but experiment with new ideas.
Speak to other plotholders and, above all, enjoy.
WHAT DOES YOUR ALLOTMENT/ GROWING YOUR OWN MEAN TO YOU?
My allotment is my relaxation. Growing my own fruit and vegetables is always a sense of achievement. It is not an exact science. It also gives me a chance to meet and enjoy the company of like- minded people. Also, the goods taste better.
HOW HAS ALLOTMENTEERING/NAS CHANGED IN THE TIME THAT YOU HAVE BEEN INVOLVED? Allotmenteering has become very
much a family affair with younger families coming on to the sites. NAS has helped to make having an allotment a good thing. It has also helped to keep allotments going.
FAVOURITE CELEBRITY GARDENER/ GARDENING TV SHOW?
Monty Don and Gardeners’ World. Although most gardening shows appear to have perfect soil and no weeds.
This does not happen in real life. The interesting thing about Monty Don is that he does have failures and he does tell us about them.
NAS has helped to make having an allotment a good thing. It has also helped to keep allotments going.
IS THERE A TOOL OR GARDENING PRODUCT THAT YOU COULD NOT LIVE WITHOUT?
A hoe and a good watering can. The hoe helps to keep the seeds down and with the watering can, you are able to water plants directly even in a hot summer such as this year.
IF YOU ARE NOT ON YOUR ALLOTMENT, WHAT OTHER HOBBIES DO YOU ENJOY?
I enjoy visiting local stately homes and gardens and trying to get ideas for my own. Grandchildren are an important part of my time and I enjoy seeing them grow up and help to keep me busy. I am also a keen stamp collector.
SPROUTS OR CARROTS?
I love both, but especially homegrown carrots. They are always the most difficult to grow.
WHAT IS YOUR MOST SUCCESSFUL VEGETABLE SHOW ENTRY?
I do not grow vegetables for showing and I have never entered a vegetable show.
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Allotment and Leisure Gardener 11