Back to Quarantine

                                                                                                                                             

Having returned from holiday a week ago we find ourselves in quarantine.

As we left Mallorca I looked down at my neighbour’s vegetable patch. Juan is a retired construction company owner and is always pottering around outside in his shorts spraying his plants, picking his harvest, blowing leaves off his drive and even rotovating his plot. His tomato and bean frames are bamboo he cuts down from the back of his garden where these monsters can grow some 30 feet tall. It may not be the classic English plot, but it certainly produces for his extended family. He also has a very big Avacado tree laden with hanging fruit and a half lemon and half orange tree at his gate entrance which is fun to watch fruit. Well it is the orange and lemon valley of Mallorca so a half and half tree makes sense.

Fortunately, my volunteer plot ‘buddy’ off our waiting list has been attending my plot, my neighbour’s who’s shielded and our Site Manager’s plot and enjoys the watering and harvesting produce. On our return there was a huge bundle of fresh pickings and an update on the plot. She also has agreed to cover the isolation period. It’s great to be able to share the plot this way with someone who is keen to volunteer and help. Now what would we have done without her?

My plot ‘buddy’ personifies the people who don’t have the opportunity today to grow at home. She may have windowsills and a very small balcony, but that is hardly enough space. She will have to wait years on our waiting list to get to top and it’s a shame folk like her can’t get that plot of land they deserve. She even helps often volunteering at our plot at Canary Wharf Crossrail station.

So as we wait to be let out it is time to reflect on those without plots, on long waiting lists and desperate to grow. We have to do better and whether its community gardens, garden lets, open space provision and we must not ignore the demand or the benefits. It’s not about being a member of a society, it’s about being a member of a community. It’s not about allotments over there, community gardens over here, open space gardens in the middle, it’s about gardening provision for young and old, fit and disabled, and maybe allotment buddies are one option.

Today we are 250% over subscribed on our waiting list and it isn’t getting better. Boroughs throw their hands in the air and say no more land, ministers say housing comes first, there is a clear urban versus rural divide and little is done for those unable to work a full plot or recovering from injury or long term illness or mental health issues. It isn’t someone else’s problem, it’s all our problem.

Juan in Mallorca has land, there is plenty of family land there and in the mountains, but surely some would suggest it’s far too hot to work it. The point is Juan is not overlooked by Europe’s densest residential housing staked up in ever increasing skyscrapers. He lives in a close-knit community which has its own ‘buddy’ system and yes they had a stricter lockdown but they have land and can grow.

Welcome Back to the Plot

You may recall the BBC covering our programme to buddy up plot volunteers with plot holders who had to self-isolate, were shielded, or classed as vulnerable during the Covid 19 crisis. We had some half dozen plots being maintained and I took over my neighbour’s plot whilst she was locked down.

Click to read and view first blog article on TV https://londonplotlife.blogspot.com/2020/04/lottie-is-going-to-be-star-on-allotment.html

Click to read and view second blog article on TV https://londonplotlife.blogspot.com/2020/04/youre-on-allotment-tv-tomorrow-lottie.html

Now some 16 weeks later and Anna has returned, and we met up once again.

Anna was like a child in a sweetshop with her eyes darting from one plant to another examining everything on the plot and she was very pleased it wasn’t a jungle. Opening the shed which had also been in isolation took up new meaning and watching her once again become reunited with its contents was a joy.

It’s the first time in all these weeks she has ventured onto public transport or even very far out of the house. She still has yet to visit a supermarket and she is alert but safe. You can see the spring in her heels as she takes it all in.

She now plans to come a couple of times a week to ease herself back and maybe it may take some time but the plot will be looked after irrespective and even while I am away, cover has been arranged for both plots.

The one aspect I never realised at the beginning was the amount of watering and weeding two plots take.

Anna left with a broad smile and a big bag of produce.

‘What do I do with these flying saucers?’ she asked holding out some big yellow patti pans that I had picked for her.

I reply, ‘Eat them like courgettes. Slice them, cube them, grill them or steam them. They are lovely.’

‘Ok ’ she said still looking at them rather quizzically.

Lottie was pleased to see her and acknowledged her with a wagging tail and a nuzzle and she passed the sniff test. When she had left he said, ‘Nice to have her back. There’s always cake when she’s around.’

‘Did I miss the cake?’ Lottie asks.

‘No, it was just a short visit and it’s cake and a cuppa tea next time’ I responded.

‘I don’t drink tea’ she replied and flopped down disappointingly onto her cushions on the bench.

As folk start to come back onto the plots you meet old friends and although it’s just a few months, it’s different and great to meet up again. They certainly appreciate the work their buddies and that they are returning to a maintained plot since they have been away.

Next week sees the return of our Secretary who despite being in isolation a couple of hundred miles away , she has done a fantastic job managing many issues, the exploding waiting list and sorting out the National Society’s Kings Seeds process and insurance cover. Just need our Site Manager back and I can start to relax!

A Rare Visitor to the Plot

Sometimes you spot something you have never seen before on the plot and before you can get the mobile out to take a photograph it’s gone.

Yesterday was a hot humid morning down on the plot. The sort of day you do a lot of watering and take lots of breaks on the bench with Lottie. She sleeps and you admire the plot and work out what to do next.

I have a big visit due this week. My neighbour who has been in lockdown and isolation since March is coming to look over her plot which I have been maintaining for her. So I must ensure its fully weeded, everything is tidy and tied up and she doesn’t need to do anything except sit down have a cup of tea from the farm café and have a long chat with me and Lottie.

I was watering the back of her plot I got my mobile ready to take some pictures of the many butterflies and bees taking over her marjoram next to her shed. The usual crowd were there, some Comma butterflies, a couple of Red Admirals and a solitary Peacock butterfly and at least half a dozen Bumble Bees. It amazing how these pollinators all gravitate to this one bushy herb in flower and drink out on its nectar.

Suddenly, my eye caught sight of a quite different coloured butterfly. No not those White ones who eat the cabbage, but something hugely different. He wasn’t interested in the marjoram but seemed very interested in the Patti Pan squash in the corner.

One moment I saw black and white wings and the next orange. It was as if he was a cape crusader. I had to get a closer look.

I adjusted the zoom lens on my phone. Then tried to get it focused as I moved closer.

Just as i got him in my sights he flew off!

‘Missed another one?’ shouts Lottie with her whippet head looking over the back of the bench.

I replied, ’He was camera shy.’

‘What with a coat like that.’

I said, ‘Yes he obviously didn’t want to be captured.’

Lottie gazed over the plot with those sight hound eyes. ‘If I were you I would turn around right now and very carefully and look at the next plant along.’

I turned just in time to see the butterfly fly under a large leaf and disappear into the maze of twisted squash leaves and stems. I advanced slowly camera ready and there he was sitting as bold as brass on the main stem. Click and click again.

I wanted to be like those famous photographers and direct him into a pose. ‘Lift your head and look straight at me. Great now open those wings.’ Click, click, click.

But he didn’t move to my wishes.

I turned to thank Lottie to only find her head had disappeared and no doubt she was back napping and dreaming of squirrels.

I turned back. He had gone.

I looked all around there was no sight of him. I looked at the photograph I had taken and was pleased it was in focus and now had to discover who he was and more about him.

It turns out he wasn’t a butterfly, but a moth and he is a Jersey Tiger (Euplagia quadripunctariaiger).  

Apparently, the adults can be found flying on warm days and visiting flowers, such as Buddleia. They also fly at night and come to light. They have a wingspan between 52 and 65 mm, so are fairly large Their caterpillars can be seen from September to the following May, overwintering as small larvae. 

Importantly they are quite scarce nationally and are well established along the south coast of Devon and Dorset, and inland to the edge of Dartmoor. They have only recently been recorded in Kent and parts of London. So not common to these parts and the only cliffs around here are those glass and concrete ones at Canary Wharf. 

Its strange seeing something for the first time and you wonder how long before you see them again. I also wonder what other little gems are living and visiting the allotments.

Managing an Allotment Site in Lockdown

So as lockdown eases will we get back to a more normal life on the allotments?

Since lockdown we haven’t had a Committee meeting and the allotments have literally been run by email, Whats App and the odd face to face. Our Secretary has been performing all the administration in isolation up North, our Site Manager has been in isolation caring for his mother and our Vice Chair has been looking after her mother, growing 400 plants for our plant swap and maintaining our community allotment. I have been juggling several balls and also maintaining my neighbour’s plot who has been in isolation. To top it all the barrels on the locks on two gates broke and we ended up having to change the locks and reissue keys top all plot holders. Lockdown has proved a hard time but the plots in the main have never looked better. Our guidelines were implemented early and have been followed by all.

All but a few plots are now being worked by their plot holders and the vast majority have been ever present throughout lockdown and although the social distance has now been reduced, this has not been a problem on the plots.

By reissuing keys and changing locks we proved to all we can change things and distribute stuff to individuals and still not compromise social distances and the health of all. We are fortunate to have a large pavilion and it looked good with a snake route of chairs for folk to follow and we also have two doors and so an entry and exit door. We also went cashless for the first time and will remain so into the future.

Three months is a long time. After all, its only just over three months since all our world’s changed with lock down. So, what will the situation be in three months from now?

In three months, we are scheduled to perform our rent collection days and the distribution of new shares and tenancy packs. We should also hold our AGM. But can we do all this, or do we need to delay and when is the last day to make that decision?

The rent collection and share payments should not prove a big issue and it is hoped that many will now be by bank transfer leaving the rest to card payments on the day. Distributing the new share certificates and tenancy packs should be a repeat should be on the same day and similar to the key distribution, not a problem to perform.

The big issue is the AGM and associated Committee meetings. First the committee must formally approve the accounts, agenda, and report to the AGM. This can be done virtually but there are several items we need to discuss and agree prior to the AGM. Again, we can do this even if this means getting the agreement offline then holding a small meeting that complies with the quorum rules. We then must issue call in notices, distribute certain papers, and comply with our nominations and election process. All sounds simple but involves lots of admin and conforming to schedule.

As an incorporated entity we don’t have the latitude we had previously to just cancel the AGM today as it must be held within 15 months of the last one so must be performed by the end of the year. We have yet to get formal guidance from the FCA on our obligations re accounts sign off and AGM actions in these circumstances.

Today, will all members be willing to attend an AGM? Can we facilitate all or must restrict numbers? Even if we get the required 25% quorum is the potential exclusive of others democratic?

Some will say, ‘Do it all by Zoom.’

But not everyone is a Zoomer, internet savvy or even connected.  There are many who rightly today wish to observe the social bubble guidelines so that presents a problem on all meetings. There is also the more vulnerable, high risk and ethnic groups who understandably would wish to avoid the risk.

With a virus which is unpredictable and could flare up at any time in any place we have a situation in which all plans must be fluid.

Finally, we are just an allotment.

Rent and distribution of shares etc. will take place but it is increasingly difficult to see an AGM at the beginning of October.

The temporary restrictions on fires will have to remain but the question of plot inspections may have to be revisited but take account of individual’s situation.

Since the lock down our waiting list has increased by some fifty people and on average we are now getting four applications a week to what was a list which was close to 200% oversubscribed

As the pubs, restaurants and cafes reopen this weekend we watch on with interest.  

Companions on the Plot

‘If I didn’t come to keep you company at the allotment, who would you like to be here with you?’ asks my allotment whippet companion Lottie.’

‘I am very happy that you come to watch over me’ I replied a bit sarcastically.

‘It better not be Sidney and his gang.’ thinking about that Mexican stand-off she had with him only yesterday when he climbed on the tree over her head and taunted her on her bench.

‘Now why would I have a squirrel as a friend?’ I realise that this is either a fishing expedition whereby Lottie makes me realise just how loyal a companion she is, or it’s one of her I am bored I’ll ask some silly questions mood.

‘I don’t mind it if you want to keep chickens,’ she says with those doleful whippet eyes which either says she’s hungry and would love some chicken, or it’s time to go home.

I sit back and my mind wanders to chickens on the allotment. 

Some would like to keep chickens which would give you eggs, maybe dinner and provide rich fertilizer. But we would have to build Fort Knox to keep Freddie Fox and his gang out. I remember when the farm was putting up extra fencing. I asked why and was told that unless it was well over a couple of meters high the sly old things would climb up and over like it were and assault course set to keep them fit. Then the fence must be extended underground to stop their expert tunnelling skills.

In fact the crows are more problems to the farm as far as the chickens are concerned and the phrase ‘headless chicken’ comes to mind.

I look at the farm’s ducks and geese, all of which have to be locked up every night and let out in the morning and the same with the chickens and turkeys and well, I can buy eggs fairy easily, I can buy chicken manure, and I don’t fancy killing them let alone plucking my dinner.

‘Sorry Lottie, chickens aren’t allowed on the allotments’ I tell her.

‘Ok no chickens but why is that Freddie fox always here?’ asks Lottie as she turns down on her pillows on the bench and flops into a new more comfortable position.

Freddie could keep anyone company as he is a loner and keeps himself to himself. At the slightest glimpse of a human, he’s off.

The problem with Freddie and his pack is that they have no toilet training whatsoever. They poo all over and even on the vegetables. However, we have a pact and they do keep the rats away and we leave them alone to police the allotment for rodents. Considering we have a farm next door the only rodent I have seen in some 6 years is Sidney Squirrel and the flying pigeons.

‘No, Freddie doesn’t like to make friends. The only company he likes is the pack.’

‘Well if we ignore pigeons and squirrels who we both don’t like, who’s left?’ asks Lottie.

‘There’s Robin,’ I respond quickly.

‘He doesn’t count. He lives here.’ Lottie says in a matter of fact way.

‘Well occasionally I find the odd frog or toad lurking under the squash leaves. I think they know they will get a daily wash and plenty of grubs, but I haven’t the faintest where they come from or live’ I offer.

‘I don’t count them. They aren’t very good for anything but to play with and to watch jumping all around when you disturb them.’ Lottie is clearly getting bored.

‘They are good for the plot and don’t make any noise until after dusk so are never heard by the plot holders.’

‘I can’t remember them saying anything.’ Lottie cleans her face with her paw and settles down to have another nap.

‘A badger wouldn’t survive on the Isle of Dogs here in the East End of London.’ I say.

‘A badger? No don’t know them’ responds Lottie.

I think about it and realise that although we may have the ideal habitat in the Farm’s parkland they would have to swim across the Thames or negotiate Canary Wharf and some very busy roads to get here. I think we will always be badger free.  

‘The one animal I would love to see here is a hedgehog’ I say, thinking about the good works they can do on the plot. ‘They tried to introduce them some years back but it failed.’

‘No way! They have fleas and spikes and I can’t play with them at all’ Lottie says.

‘I thought this was about me and my companionship’ I reply and Lottie starts to close her eyes and is now drifting away.

I would happily build a dedicated compost heap just for a hedgehog, leave some cat food out each evening and know he would devour those little critters even more efficiently than Robin and his flock. But alas it’s not to be.

Now talking about bees…

‘You know all this virus stuff has to make you think about others and companionship. And I am not getting any younger you know.’ Lottie mutters as she closes her eyes and drops off.

I rise from the bench, pick up my watering can and fill it from the trough. If I didn’t have Lottie with me at the allotment I would go mad having weird conversations with other animals and birds, and that just wouldn’t do, now would it?    

Allotment Water on Tap, or Maybe Not

As dry May ends the sun has transformed the allotment and turned a blank canvas into a busy plot full of fresh early fruit and salad. The plots are busy first and last thing each day with folk going back and forth to the water troughs and giving their crops that vital element – water.

‘Can I have a drink please?’ Lottie asks, ignoring the bench top and squeezing down under the shelter it provides.

‘Just a minute, I have the get the pot, ‘ I reply. The pots are kept in my shed and are old big Yogurt pots which once cleaned out by Lottie and washed are brought across to act as containers for some of the precious food as it makes its journey home and to the plate. I must thank the likes of Lidl in introducing us to those huge yogurt pots with proper lids. They truly have many uses around the plot and Lottie’s water bowl is but one.

I hold the ballcock down and fill the tub with fresh water which I present to Lottie and she laps up with great gusto. How dogs can lick up liquid remains a mystery to me, but they do.

For the next hour I water mine and my neighbour’s plot. She is in isolation, so I have two plots and lots to water. I soon will be competing with Popeye for arm muscles! I then collect our dinner salad and fruit.

‘Before we go can you top up my pot?’ asks Lottie with those pleading whippet eyes that no one can ignore.

‘Ok but you have loads of water still there in the pot,’ I reply.

‘That’s not fresh,’ she answers with a look as if I had offered her bad meat.

Lottie likes to see that water is fresh and always stands with a fixed stare when you fill any of her bowls. She wants to ensure she is getting ‘fresh’. She doesn’t care when its milk, but water has to be fresh.

I press the ballcock down in the trough, but nothing happens. There is no water. I look puzzled and move to the next trough which is the same. I then walk down to the trough in the other direction. The same.

‘What does a dog have to do to get a drink around here?’ I hear from a pair of eyes fixed on me from under the bench.

I do not respond but slowly walk along all the troughs in the direction of the water source and none are giving the slightest droplet. Finally, on the bottom plots I see and hear the issue. The water has already been taken and is being drawn upon as fast as it is filling. Most of the plot holders are queuing up with two cans to take water, and those who are not queuing are busy watering their plots.

So it may be nice to be up the hill but maybe not so nice when water is in high demand.

I trudge back to Lottie and try my best to explain. ‘The tanks are empty and busy filling up and with the water pressure it isn’t making it up here.’

‘Water is on demand - you just have to turn the tap. You must think I am an idiot,’ declares Lottie with a look of disbelief and frustration. ‘I am not drinking stale water and I am going tell Annie when we get home you didn’t give me my water.’

I realise it is time to go as this debate is going nowhere. I wave to the other plot holders and say goodbye and as I walk to the gate, I start to think how to avoid a repeat tomorrow. I could get here earlier but that does not guarantee success. I could get here later but the same applies. Is there a way I can siphon off the main pipe and get water to the trough before others? I soon realise this is a wasted thought and resign myself to having to accept the tank will be full when I arrive and may not refill itself while I am there.

Water is vital. Many of us have butts some even fancy water irrigation systems, but when it does not rain these soon all run dry. Some allotments do not even have water and we have a friend how has to fill big bottles and take them by car to the plot each trip.

Having arrived home and fed Lottie and given her some ‘fresh’ water, dinner soon awaits on the balcony in the glorious evening sunshine. Fresh green and red salad, rocket, spring onions, baby beetroot leaves, cucumber,  the first basil mixed with herbs from the balcony pots all accompanied by chicken and bread and followed by fresh rhubarb, yogurt topped with our first raspberries. Tomorrow we should have more strawberries and the first of our cherries.

You realise that the sunshine, heat and recent good weather has delivered a bounty of fresh produce with more to come. Watering the allotment may be testing and frustrating for Lottie, but there are many fresh rewards.

Reflections on the Environmental Changes of Lockdown

Sitting on the allotment bench looking over the plot you realise how things have changed over the last few weeks. I am not talking about the virus and lockdown but the often unseen and unreported impact it has had and continues to have on our environment, living and time.

When Lottie and I walk along the bank of the Thames to the allotments the river looks still and peaceful and has a clarity which we never see normally. No, you can’t see to the bottom - the strong tides see to that and stir up the sediment on the river bed. However, it is clearer and obviously does not have the heavy and constant river traffic churning up the silt, nor the river pleasure boats throbbing out the latest dance as they rock up and down the river each evening.

The wooded path across to the allotment is laden with overgrown wildflowers, brambles and feisty nettles. The squirrels are everywhere and teasing Lottie on her walk. The trees create a canopy of shade and the path floor has carpet of fallen seeds. You could be in any woods in the deepest countryside not cheek to jowl with Canary Wharf.

On the allotment bench Lottie shifts her position, stretches, and gently places one of her front paws on my lap. That is to make sure I remain, and she can continue to nap knowing where I am.

It’s so peaceful today you can even hear the pine cones cracking open overhead in the sun, the chorus of birds singing, and yet we are less than a mile away from Canary Wharf and the new heart of the East End of London and densest residential housing in Western Europe. The Mudchute is a haven, a respite, an oasis in the bustling rejuvenated Docklands of London. Yet today the constant hum of cars is gone or is subdued, the sky is almost free from vapour trails and the sounds of City airport have temporary ceased. Even the farm in its lockdown is now deserted of children and visitors.

Earlier this week the gentle breeze brought us a sky full of seeds floating over the allotments from their parent plants and in search of a safe landing place. It almost looked like snow as the fluffy seed parachutes were carried in the wind and I found myself sneezing with the high pollen count. I wanted to shout out, ‘Don’t worry it’s hay fever not the virus!’ But who would have heard me? A day later the seeds were gone and no doubt the next time I’ll see them they will be young weed seedlings sprouting up and begging to be weeded out of the plot.

Yesterday was strange. In the morning there was real heat in the early morning sun. You realised it was going to be hot and the plot needed an early drink to help it through the day. The greenhouse already resembled a sauna and the door was wedged open much to the relief of all inside. I merely moved out the Sweet Corn and found sweat pouring across my face and trickling down my back. It was clearly time to go home and Lottie panting, agreed.

Late in the afternoon we returned to rehydrate the plot and bring the Sweet Corn back in.

Sitting on the bench contemplating life as Lottie and I do, I sensed a change, something different. At first I could not put my finger on it but then I realised what it was. The air was clean and with the bright sunshine you had that light intensity you don’t normally have, or ever see in London. As a painter you appreciate the light intensity you get in places like the Mediterranean but to see that sharpness of contrast and clarity in London, we must have lost a lot of air pollution! Perhaps I should put the jigsaw and books to one side and do some painting in London while it lasts.

Today I planted out the Sweet Corn and as I put my hands into the soil it was warm, or should I say a lot warmer than normal. Perhaps I don’t normally notice it, perhaps it is no different, but I sensed that the plants would enjoy their nice new warm surroundings and a cool drink. It makes you realise that the science of ground heat source probably has more to it than a few Grand Design buildings.

How long will this new environment last? China has returned to smog and it would appear inevitable that we will return to our noise, air and general pollution levels, but today at least we can enjoy what we have.  

Working in Lockdown at the Allotments

We are all a bit Covid 19 worn out. Newspapers cover every aspect of it starting at the front page and ending on the back Sports page. TV do not restrict it to the News but spread it across the schedules between repeats and old films and subject us to those Skype ‘talking heads’ from their own homes. It’s interesting to see what the homes look like, or what they want us to see. Zoom has become the big Social media winner facilitating exercise classes and conference calls. But has much changed down on the allotment?

It was soon made clear that allotments were exercise and could be attended but as with every allotment up and down the country we all had to quickly adapt and implement new temporary guidelines and rules. The farm which surrounds us went into lockdown around its core animal areas so restricting our site access but bringing home the need to exercise common sense and protect ourselves and others. Our allotment at the new Crossrail gardens at Canary Wharf became out of bounds and still is today. We had to work with Canary Wharf Group as we still grew the plants but could not plant them as things were on hold. It has been like growing for Chelsea, or several Chelsea’s without the show.

Meetings were cancelled and some would suggest little missed. Seed swaps and Plant swaps had to change but still were.

There were more notices pinned to noticeboards, gates and sent via email. We found ourselves generating notices as things evolved but thankfully are now able to consolidate these onto one A4 sheet (see the consolidated sheet at end of this article).

When folk were uncertain, worried, and often unable to attend their plot there was little point in plot inspections and they were cancelled.

We had to establish who was ‘shielded’, who was caring for someone in the high-risk category and who for whatever reason were wishing to stay away. We then established if those plot holders were happy for use to organise ‘buddies’ to look after their plots so when they did return it wasn’t a jungle and back to square one. Today we have around a dozen plots being looked after and authorised via our Secretary in advance. (T the top of the article is a picture of my neighbour's plot which is being looked after while they are unable to get to the plot).

We quickly restricted site access to plot holders and their children under 16. Fires and BBQs were banned. Social distancing, cleanliness processes, non-sharing of tools and use of water trough and tap guidelines posted.

One challenge many faced in the early weeks was getting compost and other essentials when the stores were closed.

Weeks later we have most of the site looking better than ever, and folk helping each other out. There have been some issues, but these have been quickly resolved and this is with our Secretary in isolation and stuck up North, out Site Manager in isolation with his mum and others juggling many challenges.

Coming out of lockdown it isn’t going to be hard. We are pleased to state that to date we have not had any casualties to the virus.  Some may choose to not come back to their plots but I expect the majority will and a new normal life will pick up.

The things we have probably learnt through this is the value allotments bring to our physical and mental health and wellbeing, the neighbours and community we can rely on to help and the privilege we have in having our plots when many others have so little space.

Applications to join have sky rocketed over the last period and surly it now time local authorities, together with housing associations, care groups, schools and others started to take a holistic strategy on use of open spaces and community growing, education and care.

Important Consolidated Notice 14/05/20 With the continuation of the current Lockdown it is important that we all follow the temporary measures that we have put in place and that are in line with both Regional and National guidelines.

YES keep working your plots, YES keep social distancing, YES use gloves if possible 

NO fires or barbecues, NO visitors

1.     No visitors are allowed without written authorisation from Secretary, (please supply plot and name details), which will not be unreasonably denied but not be brought to suite on all visits. Registered plot holders can continue to attend their plots. No social access will be granted.

2.     Children under 16 may attend with their parents as long as they reside at same house and must be supervised at all times and not go wandering around the site and onto on others plots.

3.     No fires or BBQs are permitted until further notice

4.     Over 70s or either have an underlying health issue, are pregnant, or have received a ‘shielded ‘ notice from government should notify inform the Secretary and follow guidance and information updated daily by the government and are not encouraged to attend and it will be at their own risk and they will not be insured.

5.     Social distance must always be adhered to 

6.     Please pay attention to the notice boards on entry and take note of any notices posted as information can change on a daily basis. 

7.     No Working on other plots is permitted unless authorised in advance.

8.     Gloves are recommended on entry and retained during stay.

9.     Cleanliness is vital so please do not share tools with others and only take water from the troughs and avoid touching ballcocks. Use the taps that are on site provide clean water for medicine and washing hands but please wipe the tap handle clean after use.

10.Access to upper plots is currently restricted to upper gate

If you are unable to work the plot due to government restrictions and would like someone to help maintain it then please contact the Secretary, Site 

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.