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Search forThe gardener still tending his allotment at the age of 102
Friday, August 15, 2008, 07:00
The president of Selhurst and South Norwood Allotment Society has been growing his own spuds, tomatoes and onions for nearly 70 years.
And the former office worker from West Croydon, who still catches the bus every day to tend to his plot, has no intention of hanging up his spade.
He said: "Sometimes people offer to help me out, bit I prefer to do it myself.
"I come here for about two hours, it keeps me active and out and about, and I get to chat to everyone.
"I don't have any intention of giving it up.
"I used to enter vegetable shows, but I don't really do that anymore."
His son Bill, 71, is following in his dad's footsteps.
He has had his own plot at the allotment in Alverston Gardens, South Norwood, for 38 years, and says gardening must run in the blood.
He said: "I saw him doing it and I picked up on his interest. He's quite protective of his plot, he doesn't let me go near it!
"Everyone knows him and keeps an eye on him, and he has the first plot so people chat as they come in.
"He does it all himself and he's already planning for next year."
Vice chairman of the society Chris Colledge is amazed at Bill's achievement.
He said: "Allotments are hard work, but that is why Bill is 102 and still going strong.
"It's good to see he's still there, I imagine he'll still be there when he's 103."
Secretary Rosemary Green has known Bill for almost 25 years.
She said: "Initially he came here with his brother, but now it's just him.
"Whenever we have a new person join we give them half a plot, because at first they can't manage an entire one.
"So it's very good that Bill's still managing an entire one on his own."
Bill is such a popular member for his 100th birthday the society clubbed together to buy him a new shed.
BREAKOUT
SELHURST and South Norwood Allotment has been nominated for a national competition to find the best allotment in Britain.
The winner of the Daily Telegraph competition will be announced later in the year.
Vice chairman Chris Colledge said: "We've got some lovely plots, one of our members, Les Lenn, has just won our own 'best plot' in the allotment prize for his beautiful displays.
"His work could merit a place at the Chelsea or Hampton Court flower shows."
With members who hail from Spain, Portugal, Germany and the Caribbean the society has a real mixture of plants and vegetables from around the world.
One of the group's 100 plus members is even trying to grow sugar cane.
Mr Colledge added: "The site is next to a water meadow and is an inspiration for anyone to hold an allotment for growing vegetables, flowers and especially getting away from the stress of London life.
"We have a waiting list of about 10, I think more and more want to have their own place to come and grow their own food."
STILL GROWING STRONG: Bill Hayman, who is 102, visits his allotment every day
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