SMALLTON and HEDGE END EXAMINER

No story is not a story – no manure!

EDITORIAL

Frank Lee Tosh, Executive Editor

The office of the Examiner has been overwhelmed by the response of readers to the article in the last edition about the vermin threat on the town allotments (see letters below for a selection of views expressed).

What becomes immediately apparent is the discrepancy between the spirit of concern and support from members of the community for Mr. Trench and his fellow horticulturists and the deafening silence from the authorities, who have still yet to comment, never mind take action, to alleviate the plight of our intrepid gardeners.

The Examiner has a hard won reputation for calling a spade a JCB over matters of importance – and to be frank (which, incontrovertibly, I am) what could be more important than maintaining the British Way of Life? State officials must not inadvertently dig a hole for themselves sowing uncertainty and anxiety in what could become a hothouse where resentment and worse may take root.

Allotmenteers propagate a sense of harmony with nature and must not be taken for suckers, vermin must be controlled and the Town Council must discharge its responsibilities in a proper and timely manner!

It is to be hoped that Council representatives will attend the extraordinary (public) meeting of the Allotment Committee in order to provide appropriate assurances that this matter will be dealt with effectively. Morale in the town requires nothing less.

LETTUCE TO THE EDITOR

 I am unable to print all the letters that The Examiner has received about the vermin situation on the town allotments, so have decided to include one in full (which admirably covers most of the points made by others) and a selection of quotes from others which broaden the debate.

Please note that the views expressed in this section are those of the contributors, The Examiner will not take responsibility for any upset caused.

The Weeders Editor.

Dear Editor,

It is with great concern that we hear of Mr. Trench’s plight, so ably recorded by your Chief Horticultural correspondent. We know him well as a very rooted man, much committed to his peas and quorn. It is tragic that the turniptude that is the rat should have shaken his world so. 

We are concerned however that this pest does not ruin other lives.  It goes against the grain of course to act together like peas in a pod but the local authority really should be less stuck in the mud and act now. We know that bad feelings may grow like weeds. 

We suggest a petition amongst allotment holders demanding action.  Perhaps also a group might take on the counselling of Mr Trench – over carrot cake and tea. Perhaps the cultivation of bonsai might renew his vim and vigour? We cannot have him crying buckets. 

Yours 

Tim the happy Digger and Eleri Pole

Quotes from other letters:

  • The unseasonable weather has taken its toll on the most hardy of crops this year! Bad times for allotment owners everywhere, I wish Mr Trench well in his quest for the perfect crop!
  • Broad bean attachment is a terrible thing. I don’t think the allotment is good fit for one with such a condition. I hope he hasn’t planted rhubarb, I hear it’s having a bad year.
  • It will go down in history as the great rhubarb crisis of 2016
  • It’s that European Unification thing that’s to blame.
  •  I have to admit that I have taken vermin control very seriously indeed this season and have purchased several sachets of poison since the furry little f…ers ate every one of our courgette and sunflower seeds, enragingly leaving husks in their place. Not too green, nor organic, but it’s them or us. Them or us!