Councillor Pat Moore - Newington Ward

On Sunday August 22, I spent half a day with the tenants and visitors of the Jackey Bakers Allotment Site.

I was invited to judge the produce, consisting of vegetables, fruit, flowers and the prize for the largest vegetable. Two of the largest vegetables both deserved a prize: the funniest vegetable had carrot arms, legs and a nose! I also awarded a prize for the best children’s costume. After the judging, I was plied with fresh vegetables of all descriptions, some I had never seen before and some I did not know how to cook. On my desk I have a small bunch of sweet peas given to me by the allotment tenants.

It was all such good fun. Some of my family was there, but they weren’t exhibiting. I had lots of cups of coffee and the most delicious curry and Bombay potatoes with a selection of rice. There were also hot dogs, burgers and (those things on a stick) with plenty of salad.

I was taken around the allotments before the judging started and it was so full of different foods and salads, lots of apple trees, raspberries and sweetcorn, and such an array of colours from the flowers growing all over the site. It was amazing. Everything was neat and tidy, everything had a place to put compost, topsoil and plastic waste. There were chickens and bees. It all reminded me of my Grandad’s allotment in the 1940s.

There is a wonderful camaraderie about the place, everyone was willing to speak to me and tell me about what was growing. There is a tea/coffee shed with a list of prices on the door. I am told that when anyone brews up, they sound a hooter so everyone knows the kettle has just boiled!

My thanks go to all those who made me feel so welcome. Thank you also to the tenants who gave me things to take home and try.

Written by:
Councillor Pat Moore
Deputy Mayor of Ramsgate
Ramsgate Town Councillor for Newington Ward