In conversation with Richard Harris

Richard is a long standing plot holder at Melbourne Park, first taking on a plot in the early 90’s. With an easy going disposition, often sporting his beloved ‘Gooners’ hat, although indicates he is not a ‘gooner’. In fact he suggests failing to know this was the Arsenal supporters nickname, and wears it primarily to keep his ears warm. We caught up with Richard for a chat and would like to assure everyone in producing this piece we we kept appropriate social distancing and the photograph taken with a suitable telephoto lens!

Hi Richard. What prompted you to get an allotment?

Various reasons really. I had an allotment elsewhere originally, at the Avenues, and then through work I moved to the South of England and gave the original plots up. When we moved back, i decided to take on a couple of plots here at Melbourne Park.

What was the site like at that time?

The site was very different from today. The pathways were in a reasonably poor state of repair, and a much cleaner overall view across the site. Whilst there were a few sheds dotted about, there was none of the construction, cages, extent of raised beds which we see on the site today. a lot of this is quite recent, maybe over the last 8-10 years where all the cages have been built.



When i first took the plot on, it had been turned over, probably from a previous owner. If I recall a previous tenant had left no more than six months previously.

Whilst the site had a trading hut, I very rarely used it, and can’t really recall the extent of what was sold. I do recall there were some fizzy drinks sold, ‘corona’ and you can still see one or two of the empty crates about, but a couple of years after I joined the site the trading hut closed, maybe 96 or 97.

What do you tend to grow and have your growing habits changed at all.

The pattern of growth has changed a little bit over the years, but not a lot.I got quite discouraged at one point in terms of onions, which through disease failed, and haven’t grown them since, and other than this grow the basic staples, runner beans (you can never have enough beans), potatoes, carrots, leeks, beetroot and giant peas - plants which can reach 8ft in height.

I built vegetable troughs principally to protect from the effects of carrot fly, and then in some of the other grow lettuce, and spring onions.

What are you up to at the moment - have seen you re purposing some railway sleepers.

I am constructing a base for a greenhouse (no glass), and as you say re purposing railway sleepers as a base, building a frame and then have some of the wavy polycarbonate stuff to surround. I am hoping this is suitable. the plan is to grow tomatoes, cucumbers and smaller fruit and vegetable which may prosper in warmer and protected conditions, or anything else which takes my fancy - I could erect a hammock….

Any advice you would offer up to newer members of the site.

Yes, keep at it. It takes a while to get things going. Have a picture in your mind in terms of what you want to achieve and plan ahead. Don’t get down if the immediate results don’t seem apparent and persevere. Have a goal or vision.

Anything else you would like to add?

Having a plot is great for your health. provides a ready source of fresh air, exercise, is good for your body, and you get to grow your own food and know exactly what you are putting on your plate. In times gone by there was also Bert’s singing voice - he used to sing to himself on his plot, hugely cheerful, and blissfully unaware of others, and is a great reminder of some of the past days on site.

A big thank you to Richard for sparing his thoughts.