Don't Forget

[Shortie]

Oooo... thanks chilli girl! I've earmark the telly for that time tonight, and have set a reminder on my phone.

..... and asked OH to remind me what I set the reminder for when it goes off!

[vicki lorraine]

I watched big dig on telly last year on a sunday morning. Then it was always straight off to the plot.
It was very good.

[Pottypotter]

OH wont let me watch it, its probably first time in 6 months that I have wanted to watch something on sky, but oh know he wants to play God, hes not even normally in tonight so wouldn't be missing anything that he normally watches.

[Paulottie]

DOH! i do have sky and i was really looking forward to it; but got wrapped up in work(as usual catching up as i skived off to do the garden again) and missed it anyway!!! one thing about TV is it is sure to be on again! was it any good?

[chillie girl]

I thought it was good.

It is on every evening (except Sunday) this week. I dont know about next week my planner only goes to Tuesday but it is on Mon and Tues so most likely all week too.

I will miss it tomorrow and Friday as I have to work boo hoo, so hopefully they will repeat it at some time.

[Pottypotter]

I got to watch it in the end, I was a bit disappointed, it made allotments look like the image a lot of people have of them, all older people and not many women. I don't know if that’s the case at most allotments but at my allotments there are loads of women and people my age and younger. The only woman at Cardiff I thought gave a bad impression of women allotmenters (is that the right name) with her little flower bed when most of us women do grow veg as well as the flowers. Sorry to be so negative perhaps I was in a bad mood to start of with. Will definitely watch again (if I can) It was good to see someone actually doing some jobs like planting the potatoes, no matter how many times you are told how to do it, its better to actually see it done.

[Paulottie]

I'm forty in a fortnight and male (last time i checked). oh dear i'm joining the grumpy old allotmenteers. I have no trouble with the older crew infact i have learnt so much from them and it really bridges generations.

But what i really hate is being told how trendy it is to have an allotment. The last thing i want is for it to be a fad. What we need to do is encourage people to realise it is a LONG-term and very worthwhile effort and to realize that supermarkets are sucking the life out of communities with their Often imported, chemically grown, plastic wrapped, flavourless, out-of season sh*t and obscene profits. This is not just a few carrots or appearing cool to me it is a whole philosophy and lifestyle.

And another thing...Sorry, I sound like a grumpy Tom Good on a soap-box, end of rant.

[Tyto Alba]

I agree with much of what you say Paul, but I can't help feeling it's a good thing that more people are becoming interested in allotmenteering.

When I first took over my plot only a few years back, it was the grumpy old men......but, like you I learned a lot from them....even though they all gave me different advice and insisted that the others were wrong!!!

I can understand your view in that recently my allotment site has been inundated with trendy metrosexuals who have taken all the plots....many of the old school have moved out.

Some of these people will no doubt give up when they realise it is hard work and needs long term commitment, but even if a few achieve the delights of the lottie and enjoy some good produce it has to be a great thing.

Just because something is being popularised on TV or in the Guardian doesn't count against the people who take it up as a result.

I welcome them, and I hope that rather than a passing fad it is a sign that people are waking up to the fact that supermarket veg is overpriced, overpackaged rubbish in many cases......and that growing your own makes you fit when you cultivate and fit when you eat healthy organic veg. As well as being good for the planet and good for your mental state.

[Paulottie]

Oh it's true Tyto... I am a grumpy ol' snob. You are much more positive and inclusive than I and you are, of course, right. But, in my defence, I always do my best to help encourage and welcome any newcomers and that way they stay. I am even giving a talk to 20 people on veg growing on the allotments this weekend.

True what you say about the conflicting advice. often an element of truth in them all -it's fun to see which way suits you.

I don't like much 'on mass' particularly media- staunch individualist or just a hippy chippie I suppose? but my wife and I celebrate every week that we don't spend any money with the supermarkets- even if it costs us more time and money. I don't beat myself up about it because lets face it -it can be very cheap and convienient but I just don't think people realise what they have done to our country. Its OK I won't start again!!!

Guess i'll go and watch it then.

[dexterdoglancashire]

Thanks for the reminder! unfortunately, I've been tucked up in bed each night!
Bernie aka Dexterdog
PS hopefully they will show it earlier

[Paulottie]

I thought it was quite good in places. Anyhow its on about 3 times a day. I'm either working or on the lottie in daylight. You must be up with the lark DD or do you have kids too!!?