Cultureshock

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Video transcript

You could say even from a early age' my brothers and sister and I were inspired to be gardeners by my father, a coal miner living in a small village west of Newcastle called  Blucher, the village I was born in. Blucher has the distinction of having its front  street on the site of the Roman wall with the course of the vallum passing through between the houses of Simpson tce and the street I was born in                                                                                       It was a case of necessity to supplement the household food as during the second world war food was rationed,therefore the government encouraged you to dig for victory.                                                                   

The land was allocated for food production to produce fresh vegtables and fruit. Some gardeners kept free range hens and occasionally the odd rabbit popped in the pot with leeks and vegtables to make a nice brot. Nothing like the taste and smell of home made broth on a cold day. These where happy days spent with my family in the allotments, the memories still remain fresh even after 60 years.                                                                                           

My father was quite strict and insisted from an early age we where allocated a plot of land to dig and cultivate in the allotment, under his watchful eye of course.   I  once out of mischief, threw a handful of corn used to feed the chickens on our plot, my father was puzzled at first and then realized what I was up towhen it started to sprout. Needless to say he was not best pleased, so I beat a hasty exit to our home. They say everything go's around comes around ,this is true with allotment gardening, When my wife and I retired 5 years ago we had the chance to take up the tools once more with an allotment in the Gosforth area. Once again we where inspired to grow fresh fruit and vegtables to supplement our diet. My wife has always been a keen gardener, and took to veg growing like a duck to water. I would recommend anyone to  go out there and dig but not this time for victory.                                        But for the fresh produce ,the fresh air and exercise. The friendship and companionship you form with people from all walks of life. You will find gardeners are always willing to exchange plants and tips, but some gardeners take there growing tips to the grave. Allotment gardening is the best value for money you will get  anywhere and the rewards are priceless.