The Watton-at-Stone allotments are a long-established feature of the village and are situated behind the High Street on Church land. They reached their heyday during the 1939-45 war when "Dig for Victory "was the incentive to grow your own food.
Now allotments holders grow fruit, vegetables and flowers knowing that what they produce is healthy and fresh. At the same time, they are cutting down on their household food bills and contributing to their "five a day" consumption of fruit and vegetables. Obviously, fresh air and exercise are additional benefits.
Rents are currently £18.00 per annum for a large plot (but half plots at £9.00 per annum are available and recommended for novices) and the allotment-tenancy year runs from 1st October to 31st September. The allotments are run and administered by the Parish Council, and applications for a plot should be made to Mrs. Jane Allsop (Clerk) on 01920 830330.
An active Allotment and Garden Association was formed in 2004 to assist village allotment-holders and gardeners in the pursuit of their hobby. Membership is free to allotment holders, but others may join for an annual subscription of £5. A Lottery grant has enabled the Association to erect a rabbit-proof fence around the most vulnerable boundaries, and this has been extended to the remaining unfenced area. In addition, the Association has initiated the clearing, ploughing and rotavating of 6 new plots (at a charge of £25.00) to give newcomers a head start.
The Association also makes manure available on-site, at a nominal charge, and is looking to extending its range of machinery (e.g. for hedge trimming, strimming and grass cutting) for allotment-holders use. In addition, there is an agreement with another local allotment-association whereby canes, fertilizers and other garden sundries can be purchased at a very advantageous rate.
In previous years a 25% discount has been obtained on packeted flower and vegetable seed from a well known national seed company. Catalogues are available in January from Bob Thurlow (01920 830389). Soft fruit bushes and plants at wholesale prices from growers of healthy certified stock can also be obtained and surplus plants from other allotment holders can usually be swapped. Advice from other allotment holders is freely available: just ask!
The Association is run by a small committee headed by Chairman Bob Thurlow (01920 830389), and liaison with the Parish Council on allotment matters is good and advantageous to both parties. So, if you want more information about the Allotment and Garden Association or want to have a look round the allotments, give Bob (830389) or Phil (420272) a call.
