Page 5 - HGS Suburb News 137 - Winter 2019

An allotment renaissance

The past year has seen a
resurgence in the purpose and
endeavours of the Allotments
Committee, both on the social
and horticultural fronts.
Earlier concerns over a growing
number of vacant plots have
largely been put aside. In the
wake of a drive to publicise the
existence of the 11 allotment
sites in the Suburb there has
been a surge of interest in recent
months by those looking to
provide for themselves fresh
and healthy home-grown garden
produce. The Trust Council,
following a recommendation
from the committee, agreed in Fungi expert Andy Overall leading Big Wood walk
principle to widen the catchment Woodland fungi
area of applicants for plots to
include relations and friends of discovered in Big Wood
residents and those with work
connections in the Suburb. With Judging for the Phyllis Young matched, especially in a metro- National Gardens Scheme. The On Sunday, October 28 Friends through Big Wood identifying
inquiries totalling more than a trophy for best plot again took politan environment, by the Temple Fortune Hill allotments,
dozen – all but one from residents place and a well-attended and therapeutic effects of being so where one of the plots has been of Big Wood organised a 60 dozens of interesting mushrooms
minute voyage of discovery to
and toadstools, and answering
– since notices appeared in the convivial Harvest Supper was close to nature and by the worked by the same couple for learn about the large range of detailed questions. Andy is not
Suburb News and library newsletter held in Fellowship. informal get-togethers prompted 40 years, will join a dozen fungi in the wood. only an expert on British fungi
there has been a minimal Attention to the general by this shared interest. Aspiring Suburb gardens in opening their
Fungi expert Andy Overall, a
application of the ruling which, maintenance and attractiveness horticulturists wishing to join gates to the public on Sunday, Golders Green resident, led over a but also brilliant at sharing his
knowledge, and the event was
nevertheless, remains in effect. of the sites was boosted by the the existing 120-odd devotees July 7. Sales, for the Gardens dozen Suburb residents on a walk much appreciated by all.
The committee, which includes growing sense of involvement should approach individual site Scheme charities, of cakes and
the secretaries of the 12 sites, and a determination that such a secretaries (listed in the Suburb drinks and of plants are planned.
representatives of the RA and the rewarding pursuit as growing Directory) or the Trust office. Members of the allotment
HGS Horticultural Society and one’s own food organically should A feather in the allotment- community have long had close
ex-officio attendants from the not be allowed to lose its appeal. eering cap is the decision to links with the Suburb’s Horticultural
Trust, has resumed the regularity Many plotholders regard the include one of the sites in this Society and in the past year
of its quarterly meetings. benefits in the kitchen being summer’s open day of the allotmenteers have exhibited
their produce – and won prizes
– at the Society’s spring and
autumn flower shows in the
Free Church Hall. This alliance
is further indicated by the Seed
Swap event, which will be held in
Fellowship on Thursday, March 7.
Beyond their social and
horticultural interests, the
committee members carry the
essential responsibilities of
allocating plots, collecting rents
and making recommendations
concerning maintenance and
matters related to the budget. Of
the 12 sites, nine bear the title of
the HGS Trust, the others being
managed under the auspices of
the Orchard and Fellowship.
PETER HODGSON
(Now chairman of the committee) Northway Rose Garden – offering ageless enjoyment

SUBURB NEWS IS PRODUCED AND DELIVERED TO YOU BY RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION VOLUNTEERS 5