Peter Caffrey - My Allotment Story 1982-2020

The web site has published various features over the last couple of years in relation to new plot holders, their motivations and how they have tackled their plots, together with one or two more experienced plot holders who have shared their views. However, there
is one member of the Association who we believe has now held a plot on site for almost 40 years and would therefore constitute the most experienced member amongst us. His plot was adjudged best in class in the Melbourne Park Annual allotment competition in 2018. We caught up with Peter Caffrey and he kindly agreed to pen an article for us in terms of his time on the site. Rather than break the piece up with questions, we have re produced Peter’s thoughts exactly as he expressed’.

I developed my passion for gardening in my family's walled garden in Mid Wales. I moved to Chelmsford for work in 1969 aged 21 and soon took to managing a small plot in the gardens of the 'Cherry Tree' pub - now built over.

In the early 1980's I took over a plot previously managed by my friend Geoff Bailey on the corner opposite the wildlife garden (I believe plot 67),

Over the last 40 years I have learned a great deal from many excellent gardeners on the site and tried also to give advice myself when asked. I was fortunate enough to have a excellent and inspiring allotment holder as a neighbour (Ted) who was a very well organised, neat and productive gardener. My current success for example with peas is largely due to his mantra of sowing his seeds heavily giving 'one for the birds, one for the mice and one for me!' Sadly Ted had to give his plot up due to failing eyesight.

When I moved my father from Wales to live close to me we took on a new plot so that he could continue his love of gardening. Sadly he died on the plot in the way that he lived, with his tools in his pocket and wanting to work. I wanted to continue on this plot in my father's memory. This was not to be as plans had been agreed to sell off this section of the site for the new housing development and the place where my father died now has a building over it.

I was instructed to choose another plot on the remaining site. Suzanne Higgins was in charge of overseeing the move and I was able to select new plants to replace ones I had lost through the move. I was also supplied with a new shed. As a gesture of good will and in appreciation of my co - operation Suzanne also supplied me with two Kent Cob Nut trees which continue to flourish and crop. Cuttings I have taken from these two trees are also growing on other areas of the site, and in friends gardens and the woods.

Over the site's recent history, there have been considerable improvements, not least the facilities. However, the most significant influence in relation to the improvement of the site came with the arrival of the Holbrook / Lawrence family. They brought a new enthusiasm and commitment to the area, giving a much better sense of community, with a functioning committee, social events and a better run trading hut. I would like to take the opportunity to express my thanks to them for the improvements they brought about and continue to do so. Prior to their arrival the site lacked leadership and direction from its members. The extent of this leadership was most apparent in the tenacious pursuit of the promised improvements committed as a consequence of the land sale and new housing development. This was enormously helped with Tony’s relationship developed over time with the builders, and a refusal to accept anything less than expected, which contributed to the beneficial facilities we take for granted today.



In looking for a new plot I was well advised by Doug, who unfortunately is no longer with us, who assured me the plot I was considering (73) had been well looked after until a few years before and had been well manured! He was obviously keen to have the plot, which at that time was next to his, occupied. Doug had been very kind to my father so I was happy to trust his advice and the plot has indeed been very productive ever since. Doug's best tip out of many was to plant 2 broad bean seeds at each station so that if one failed or was eaten by mice the other might survive to ensure a crop. I have followed the advice ever since.

I later encouraged good friends Tom and son John Smith to take over plot 74 next to me. When John moved away I took over his plot. In partnership with good friends Richard and Jackie Harris we built a chicken run and house and enjoyed fresh eggs for several years.



Over the last few years another good friend, Dave, has taken an interest in the plot and has been a great help especially with the DOY, grass cutting, covering the times when I am away. In the last few years together we built a large cage to protect the sweet corn from the badgers, peas and brassica from the pigeons, and fruit from the birds, whilst also being big enough to enable crop rotation. It was an expensive project but now we are reaping the benefits of it's protections although the structure was too big for the authorities liking! I was delighted when my plot was judged the best on site in 2018. This is also down to the help given by Dave.



My greatest frustration with the site is the number of empty, derelict plots which makes the area very unsightly. As these are left to tall into an overgrown state it is too great a challenge for any aspiring new plot holder to be successful and all too often give up the plot. I have always thought it would be better to maintain 2 half plots by killing the vegetation and turning the plot roughly so the plot looks appealing enough to encourage someone to take it over and not so difficult to bring to a good condition, and in turn they keep the plot on. Once these plots are taken 2 new half plots should be cleared for the next intake. In the long term this would increase membership, make the site more cost effective and orderly.

The site has given so many people so much pleasure and health benefits over the years it is a worthy cause for more investment.

With grateful thanks to Peter Caffrey for providing us with this story of his time on the allotments.