Allotments can feed a family – and the soul
Sightings of frogs and bumblebees on the plot are unmistakable signs that spring is here. Not only is it the time to look forward to some home grown food, but to revel in that glorious feeling that accompanies a long day on the plot. Last winter dragged on a bit too long for me and I can’t wait to see some seeds germinating.
Recognition of the feeling of wellbeing that comes with allotment gardening is nothing new. In 1921 an Edinburgh plotholder and campaigner, Archibald Fisher, wrote “allotments are a national asset, contributing to economic, educative, hygienic, recreative and we would even go to the length of saying, moral and spiritual value”.
Not long afterwards, the Society of Friends began supporting allotments. Recognising the negative effects of being out of work, they set up the Scottish Allotment Scheme for the Unemployed (SASU), offering discounts on seeds and fertilisers and reduced plot rents. They hoped that the joys of having an allotment along with the need to provide themselves with some food would keep them in good spirits until jobs materialised. There are archive photographs showing some of the happy recipients of these grants outside their beautifully kept huts. Apparently they also made tools and crafted beautiful tool boxes.
Victor Webb was one of the larger than life characters associated with the SASU scheme. Born in 1915, he worked as a civil servant in London and Edinburgh. After retiring he took on a new venture running and owning a chain of
I can’t wait to see some seeds germinating
launderettes in Edinburgh. As well as being a lawyer, Webb was a passionate allotmenteer who held various posts within SASU helping to alleviate the plight of the unemployed during the depression.
As time went by the SASU scheme was expanded to suit changing circumstances. Benefits were extended to include pensioners and ex-servicemen. But eventually the administration of the scheme became too onerous to administer as it became increasingly difficult to be certain that applicants were actually the intended deserving poor.
Those like me who are interested in the history of allotments have a lot for which to thank Victor Webb. His early career both as a lawyer and civil servant instilled in him the virtue of keeping meticulous records. His papers, together with those of Archibald Fisher which he inherited, are now in the safe hands of the University of Glasgow Library archives and can be seen on request. n