Pamphlet plots the surprising history of town’s allotments

MELBOURNE Allotment Holders Association has published a 30-page pamphlet to celebrate its 100th anniversary.

The author, Paul Sturges, said the history of allotments in Melbourne is surprising and fascinating.

“When I volunteered to write something for our centenary, I thought it would just be a page or two to be made available via the Internet. I soon found that it was possible to discover a great deal more about the history of the Association than a few dates and basic facts,” said Paul.

The pamphlet tells a tale of bold commitment by the founding group of gardeners, led by ex-artilleryman Arnold Mellors and other strong personalities. Although the years after the First World War were hard, the Melbourne gardeners bought their own site, rather than renting it. It cost each of them 16 pounds and 10 shillings, an enormous sum in relation to average earnings in 1921.

Over the years there were also a number of courageous women who defied convention to take up allotments.

Because the association has owned its site, it has been able to provide for the security and continuity of allotment gardening in Melbourne ever since.

Paul said that could continue as long as Melbourne people want to keep on growing their own fruit and vegetables.

“Someone in 2121 might well find themselves writing the bicentennial history,” said Paul.

Derby-born Paul is a professor emeritus of Loughborough University who has lived in the Melbourne area for 45 years. He and his wife Claire have cultivated an allotment for nearly 10 of those.

He said nothing he has researched

Paul Sturges digging potatoes at his allotment in Melbourne. He has written a 30-page history of the association, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this month