After nearly quarter of a century as Treasurer of Wellesbourne Allotments, Ken Manning retired from the post in April 2022
In truth though, Ken has provided much more than sound accounting. Under his stewardship the allotments have flourished.
Why do you find allotments so inspirational ?
On National TV - Talking Allotments With Matt Baker for BBC Countryfile Edition on Wellesbourne Allotments - Aug 2019 ©Rob Lavers
Inspiration for me comes from seeing the affect that allotments have on people, generally and personally. Although Wellesbourne Allotments are of course unique and special to local people, I feel I am part of a much wider movement whose origins started way back in history. Today’s generation do not have to look back very far in their own lineage to realise that growing food for the family was fundamental to their forebear’s existence. Allotments across the country have always provided nutritional sustenance, but more recently their contribution to communal open space and people’s wellbeing, both physically and mentally, are increasingly appreciated.
With what you know know, what would you tell yourself 24 years ago ?
Ken Has Been A Plot Holder Since 1996 ©Rob Lavers
Do you realise what you are letting yourself in for ? When my family moved to Wellesbourne and I acquired an allotment, I had modest visions of how the Allotments could be enhanced for the benefit of all our plot holders, although I wasn’t initially sure how this could be achieved. Making new friends and joining the Committee help turned out to be the best way to get things done. Throughout, it has been a great privilege to join with other like-minded people to make a difference. Admittedly, being Treasurer has taken up much of my time over the years but it has also been a labour of love too.
What’s your most memorable success or failure ?
Leading The Campaign To Save Wellesbourne Allotments - July 2017
I suppose my most memorable success was our first NGS Open Day in 2012. To do something new and untried is a risk, and for us this event could have been a flop. When we opened the gate and saw a stream of people along the Kineton Road footpath heading towards the allotments I knew then it would be a great success. Fond memories of the post-event elation experienced by everyone involved will stay with me. Failures: well perhaps too many to mention, but some I hope I have learned from. To get others to come onboard and accept your ideas is vital if they are to succeed and listening carefully to others opinions is very important. As for growing failures, every season brings its challenges and you never stop learning. An understanding of the local environment and the soil needs to be aligned with growing the right varieties in the right way. I am not alone in being caught out by those late spring frosts as cold air from the hills behind settles onto the allotments !
For better or worse, has climate change changed the way we garden ?
On BBC Radio 4 . Christine Walkden Visits Wellesbourne Allotments For Gardeners’ Question Time - Feb 2015
definitely for the worse ! Evidence of it is all around us and some changes are more subtle than others. The seasons are changing quite dramatically, exemplified by earlier fruit tree blossom making it more vulnerable to late frosts. Confirmation of this was seen in the spring of 2018 when there was an unusually prolonged cold period which delayed the emergence of blossom protecting it from late frost and subsequently produced a very good fruit yield. Climate change is now embedded in the public conscience and awareness of the fragility of the natural world has significantly increased. We are noticing the decline in numerous insect species which is impacting on crop pollination and plot holders are now experimenting with various cultivated and wild flowers to attract insects - our plots have never looked so colourful! Recycling and composting practiced by many plot holders together help us to reduce our carbon footprint.
Has COVID 19 changed how you think about allotments for you and the community ?
Allotment Committee with Cllrs. Penny-Anne O’Donnell , Anne Parry & Ann Prior on the Dementia Friendly Plot - June 2021
Covid has had a massive effect on the general population and our appreciation of open space and gardening. Because allotmenteers are closely involved in growing they are naturally aware of the benefits of working in the fresh air. However, Covid has revealed more than this. People have come together for the greater good and I have seen how generous our plot holders have been with charitable fundraising through plant and produce sales to support the local community. As a result of the pandemic, allotments across the country have seen a huge interest in ‘growing your own’ and I believe this will be long lasting. Wellesbourne Allotments are no exception, except they are very special to us and our community and I will continue to defend their existence.
How do you see your allotment life changing now you’ve retired from being the Treasurer ?
Brightening Up Wellesbourne Precinct With Cllr. David Close - June 2018
I have always valued having an allotment and it is a privilege to be able to follow a long tradition in my own family. Although it comes at the right time in my life, withdrawing from my Treasurer duties will be a wrench. However, it does not diminish the enthusiasm I have for my allotment while it gives me the opportunity to concentrate on some other interests too, such as beekeeping. I would like to thank everyone who has sent me good wishes.
Driven by his enthusiasm for nature and love of gardening, Ken has helped to galvanise allotmenteers into a cohesive community that has supported the creation of OSCARS - the Dementia - Friendly Plot and organise the bi-annual NGS Open Day. Importantly, he has been ever prominent in the fight to save the allotments from housing development.
When not working his own plot, Ken has been busy supporting plot holders, maintaining the boundary fences, hedges & trees, cutting the grass, cleaning water tanks, talking ‘shop’ with other Plot Holders, or immersed in research and letter writing to safeguard the allotments, as well as co-ordinating projects to raise funds for local charities.
