Plot 181 and a half - or the Greenish Gym

20/12/2007

Bliss oh bliss, I am retired - or nearly. I couldn’t hang on for the last month, so after nine years I waddled out with the grumps. But joy of joys when I get home a letter I behold! After TWO years of waiting, my pleading for half a plot as an old single (but hopeful) gran, it looks as though - with a following wind - I may be able to take over the said plot in two weeks!

Having told them where to get off at work I was now actually free to drive down and inspect the potential plot. The people who had it last came down once in whole year and have been ill ever since so could this lead to future back trouble?

The allotment grounds are through big locked double gates, with plenty of parking, a tea shed, loo shed, a garden shop shed and equipment hire at two pounds an hour.

I hike off to 181 1/2 and eventually get to a sweet corner. Very private, but with weeds (trees?) shoulder high and everything covered in beige fluffy seed heads wafting and flying over it. I am so over-excited I am undauntable. My eye beholds nothing less than perfection: I see rows of perfect runner bean wig-wams and potatoes, with pale green lettuces waving "pick in abundance” at me.

Clasping a hot mug of red label in the warmth of the popping gas fire I make lists. A plan of action. Once (or if) I get the OK from the 'powers that be' in December, there will be no stopping me. I might even get fit! (I notice there are not many pudding shapes on the allotments).

My neighbour told me that there is an old African saying: "when you dig you leave your worries in the soil". We can all be doing from that!

Anna Heighton, Catford