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| Amazing allotments |
The Rise of the Allotment
There are allotments all over the UK. I happen to live next to a very fine Newcastle Allotment, Armstrong allotments. Allotments are the new must have accessory for the middle classes. Historically they were awarded to the poor who had had their land taken off them during the Agricultural Revolution. They were generally small pieces of land attached to tenant farms. Nowadays you have to be on the waiting list to get an allotment. The waiting list can be years. Otherwise you have to wait till some one dies or is convicted of vegetable neglect and evicted.
Allotments came in to their own during the two great wars when food shortages and rationing became the norm.
Dig For Victory with an allotment
The famous Dig For Victory campaign was an early example of successful government propaganda. It achieved its impact by linking turnip production to success in mortal combat. On reflection growing your own food really does make a whole lot of sense |
| Big Brassica – keep off! |
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| A Smashing Pumpkin |
You can get a giant bag of veg or some stunning Dahlias by bidding just a few pounds and all proceeds go to the Allotments Association.
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| Matched Marrows |
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| Terrific Tom |
Allotments – not just vegetables
Of course, fine produce can also end up at the local allotment show where things get really serious in terms of competition. Everyone has heard stories about rival allotment holders sabotaging each other’s legumes the night before the judgement day.
In Yarm, North Yorkshire where my brother has an allotment, the show is always well attended. There is a dazzling display of fine vegetables despite our often pretty pathetic summer. Categories such as best Leek (pot), Best leek (trench) best matched marrows and best vegetable on its own, were in evidence. I am thinking maybe it would sound less lonely as best independent vegetable or perhaps, like those American year books – vegetable most likely to succeed…
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| Jam Today! |
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| Dazzling Dahlia |