Do Allotment Widows Still Exist?

Mention the word ‘allotment’ to many and they instantly picture a Monty Don character busy digging their plot out in the fresh air. They think about huge onions, pumpkins and long straight beans. But is this a true picture of allotments today or just a perception nurtured over time? Do we ever see Mrs Don? Is there a Mrs Don? Why is he portrayed as an image of a solitary figure working the soil in all weathers with his two faithful dogs? Why do we always see one person in front of camera? Do they all live alone?

Who is the man or woman behind the Allotment plot holder, and do they spend their time elsewhere as an Allotment Widow or Widower?

A round of golf, a social drink at the 19^th hole and getting to and from the Golf Club can all take the best part of half a day. If like me, you hit plenty of balls into the rough, or even further afield, you can be on the course a long time and often to the frustration of those behind and alongside you on the fairway. Hence I never really took to golf, or it didn’t take to me. However, cast a thought for the loved one left behind and hardly seen all week as you throw yourself into your work morning, noon and night then at the weekend turn them into a Golf widow or widower.

Then there is the Fishing widow or widower. The angler often heads off at some unearthly hour with their tackle, maggots, sandwiches, flask, folding chair and good book to read. They leave their other half asleep, dreaming of all the things they could have done together. The car is also seconded into the expedition and taken to sit all day parked by itself. It’s not an excuse to spend the day half asleep watching the river flow, reading a book and occasionally hooking some poor unsuspecting fish. No, it is a personal challenge between man and fish. Fishing is a serious pastime and was said to be the UK’s favourite sport. The angler returns home to proudly show the other half mug shots of fish that were released back into the river, panoramic pictures which fully capture the whole fish and outstretched arms, but everyone gets to enjoy preparing the fish, gutting, descaling it and then cooking dinner and listening to endless tales of how it was landed.

Instead of stories about that perfect drive down the fairway or that 30 foot putt, or the one that got away, do allotment holders go home with endless stories of the aphids who have descended on the Broad Beans, or the new seedlings that have just emerged and stuck their heads above the soil?

There is then the Sporting widow or widower. Whether its watching or playing this pastime is becoming more inclusive of the family. Men and women play and enjoy watching all sports even the macho ones like rugby and boxing. The terraces that once were male domain are no longer single sex and welcome all, maybe sometimes under duress and with little understanding of the rules.

Do allotments promote the Allotment Widow, or Widower? Are allotments solitary or family orientated?

Today the allotments are changing and starting to see a resurgence of interest from all quarters. They are not so much about growing those specimen and traditional vegetables and more about environment, community outreach, providing a wide variety of food and of course mental and physical exercise for all.

Today 60% of our allotment plots are still classed as single use leaving the remainder double use. However, the trend toward family participation and interest is growing and this is changing and challenging perceptions for the good.  The ethnic divergence is clearly widening and with it the insights and understanding of different methods of growing and many different varieties of produce.

We may finally start to bury those exhibition vegetables and prizes.

The social and age demographic is also changing and less than 30% of our plot holders are retired. Mind you those on today’s waiting list may be retired by the time they get a plot! The affluent openly mix with those not so affluent, as there is no social divide on the plots. 

The allotments are changing and are no longer an escape from others but a place for everyone to go and enjoy, and in doing so allotments are part of wider community not an escape from it.