A Grateful Appreciation - Tony Holbrook
08th December 2013
The recent AGM witnessed with considerable regret our chairman of the past 10 years, Tony Holbrook, vacating his position. There is no doubt that Tony's leadership is going to prove virtually impossible to replace.
Tony's involvement at the site started almost 12 years ago when he and Karen took on their first plot. They both rapidly decided that they didn't have sufficient space to grow all the crops they wished, and took a second. At that time the number of populated plots was probably less than 30%, the hut was not in the best state of repair, and there was certainly no storage building. The facilities constituted a wooden shed - not in the rudest of health - with a chemical bucket in it, not that enticing a proposition when need calls!
Arthur Cornell convinced Tony that it might be the right time to re start the Allotment Association some 10 years ago, which in turn led to the formation of a committee, and then the re opening of the trading hut. The hut itself was overhauled, stripped clean, floor sealed,tidied, stock requirements identified, ordered, priced and sold.
As more plots were taken, membership grew, and Tony made it his mission to meet and greet everyone, advise them of all that takes place, the social events, which were organised with the committee, and promote the web site and general well being of the site, as well as dealing with our general moans and groans.
His keen eye for all that needed to be fixed, repaired, upgraded continues, and aside of the post of Chairman, basically operated the trading purchases for the hut, organising replenishment stock, and taking deliveries in, all of which taken in his stride. The additional organisation of many site specific work parties to strengthen the perimeter with tree planting, fence repairs, to all manner of other general improvements, the indication of tasks here not exhaustive.
By far we are fortunate that at the time of the 'Allotment land grab' for the new property development, Tony's diligence, dogged determination, effort and relationship with the council and specifically the relationship fostered with the builders, not inconsiderable time and endeavour, secured the use of funds to provide us with the excellent facilities that we enjoy today and are justly proud of.
If we look at the site now, 95% populated, hopefully everyone will view a friendly environment, significantly in better shape, with facilities that don't require you to take your life in your own hands at time of need.
I think it would be fair to suggest that Tony's hand of influence has been appreciated by us all, and in addition to all the above, he has also found time to maintain and develop his own 'patch', and build a chicken hotel with Peter Hunnable and Karen. Outside of the Allotments, Tony has many interests. A keen fisherman, and avid historian in relation to the working Thames Barges being just a couple that spring easily to mind.
It would be completely remiss of us, if we did not recognise on behalf of everyone the enormity of the input that Tony has provided to the Allotment Association. This recognition in part was undertaken at the Mulled Wine and Mince pie morning with a presentation and gift, a small token of our appreciation, and hope that the additional detail, albeit brief in relation to Tony's tenure as Chairman, appropriately recognises and pays tribute to such endeavour and friendship, that has stimulated a sense of real community.
On behalf of us all, thank you Tony.
Tony's involvement at the site started almost 12 years ago when he and Karen took on their first plot. They both rapidly decided that they didn't have sufficient space to grow all the crops they wished, and took a second. At that time the number of populated plots was probably less than 30%, the hut was not in the best state of repair, and there was certainly no storage building. The facilities constituted a wooden shed - not in the rudest of health - with a chemical bucket in it, not that enticing a proposition when need calls!
Arthur Cornell convinced Tony that it might be the right time to re start the Allotment Association some 10 years ago, which in turn led to the formation of a committee, and then the re opening of the trading hut. The hut itself was overhauled, stripped clean, floor sealed,tidied, stock requirements identified, ordered, priced and sold.
As more plots were taken, membership grew, and Tony made it his mission to meet and greet everyone, advise them of all that takes place, the social events, which were organised with the committee, and promote the web site and general well being of the site, as well as dealing with our general moans and groans.
His keen eye for all that needed to be fixed, repaired, upgraded continues, and aside of the post of Chairman, basically operated the trading purchases for the hut, organising replenishment stock, and taking deliveries in, all of which taken in his stride. The additional organisation of many site specific work parties to strengthen the perimeter with tree planting, fence repairs, to all manner of other general improvements, the indication of tasks here not exhaustive.
By far we are fortunate that at the time of the 'Allotment land grab' for the new property development, Tony's diligence, dogged determination, effort and relationship with the council and specifically the relationship fostered with the builders, not inconsiderable time and endeavour, secured the use of funds to provide us with the excellent facilities that we enjoy today and are justly proud of.
If we look at the site now, 95% populated, hopefully everyone will view a friendly environment, significantly in better shape, with facilities that don't require you to take your life in your own hands at time of need.
I think it would be fair to suggest that Tony's hand of influence has been appreciated by us all, and in addition to all the above, he has also found time to maintain and develop his own 'patch', and build a chicken hotel with Peter Hunnable and Karen. Outside of the Allotments, Tony has many interests. A keen fisherman, and avid historian in relation to the working Thames Barges being just a couple that spring easily to mind.
It would be completely remiss of us, if we did not recognise on behalf of everyone the enormity of the input that Tony has provided to the Allotment Association. This recognition in part was undertaken at the Mulled Wine and Mince pie morning with a presentation and gift, a small token of our appreciation, and hope that the additional detail, albeit brief in relation to Tony's tenure as Chairman, appropriately recognises and pays tribute to such endeavour and friendship, that has stimulated a sense of real community.
On behalf of us all, thank you Tony.