photograph by 2amphotography.co.uk

Serving the local allotment community for 100 years

1908 – 2008

 ALLOTMENTS ASSOCIATION CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF SERVICE

On the 3rd April 2008, Members of the Eastleigh and Bishopstoke Allotments Association celebrated their first centenary since the Association's formation on 3rd April 1908, the same year in which major new allotments legislation was introduced.  Placing a statutory duty on local authorities to provide sufficient allotments for those wishing to cultivate one, the Small Holdings and Allotments Act of 1908 is more relevant today than ever before, as the number of people wishing to grow their own food continues to increase.  Whilst the Allotment Association’s role has changed significantly over the last 100 years, it remains as active as ever in support of its expanding membership, currently approaching the 500 mark.

Association Secretary, Tony Murrills said:  “Despite an extensive search, we have been unable to find any public record of our formation in 1908, other than our registration as an Industrial and Provident Society.  We therefore decided to ensure that the beginning of our next century is appropriately recorded in the history books by inviting Association members to take part in a group photograph.”

Even longer-established than the Association or the 1908 Act (and considerably older than the Borough of Eastleigh itself) is one of the Association’s members, Mr Albert Swinerd, who, at nearly 102 years of age, must be one of the Country’s oldest active allotment gardeners.  And he really is active!  Mr Swinerd regularly walks to and tends his plot at the Jockey Lane site in Bishopstoke, which he has already dug in preparation for the coming season.  Perhaps this is one of his secrets for such longevity?

Two years ago, at the time of his 100^th birthday, the Association recognised his senior status by granting him honorary life membership, an honour awarded to only very few of the Association’s members.  And when a centenary celebration group photograph of members was taken, Mr Swinerd’s eager participation was rewarded with centre-stage prominence.