March 2022

20
Wanstead Village Directory
A LOT TO LOSE
In the ninth of a series of articles by those connected to Redbridge
Lane West allotments – which are under threat from the adjacent gas
works – we hear from former plot holder Gemma Sanderson
In November 2011, Wanstead Village
Directory published an article sharing the
enjoyment that my husband, Sandy, and I
got from our little patch in Wanstead.
We obtained the allotment in 2007 when it
was just a weedy patch of grass with poorquality
soil. It seemed a little overwhelming at
the start, but Sandy gradually sectioned areas
off into raised beds, where we could focus
on improving the soil, and covered the paths
with membrane and stones to keep down
the weeds. We sifted the soil thoroughly in
each of the beds to get rid of debris, grass and
bramble roots. We also went and collected
manure regularly from the local stables to
combine with the soil. It was amazing to see
what a difference this made to the quality and
texture of the soil over the months and years.
Sandy and I loved the whole production
process of growing our own fruit and
vegetables, as well as the social aspect that
came with the friendly site on Redbridge Lane
West. There were a few well-established plot
holders – who had been present when the
Queen visited in 2002 – who gave us great
advice in the early stages. Over the years,
we went from being enthusiastic newbies to
being sought out for advice ourselves. It also
had a positive impact on my husband in terms
of health and helped him get past the struggle
he had with having to give up his career.
Sadly, in early 2012, Sandy became quite ill
and was diagnosed with a very aggressive
form of cancer. He deteriorated rapidly and
I lost him in June that year. I really struggled
for some time but found the greatest peace
at the allotment, where we had enjoyed so
much time together. We planted a crab apple
tree on the site, in Sandy’s memory, alongside
one for a fellow plot holder who we had lost
Sandy and Gemma working
on their allotment in 2011
the previous year. The allotment community
was a huge part of what got me through that
difficult time.
All the initial efforts put into the structure
and layout made the ongoing work more
manageable, and I was able to keep the
allotment going for another four years, with
help from fellow plot holders Sally and Ray.
After this time, the wooden raised beds and
structures were starting to deteriorate, and
along with a need to downsize my property, I
made the very difficult decision to give up my
plot. But I still keep in contact with the many
friends I made at the allotments.
A small amount of Sandy’s ashes were
placed under a rose I planted for him at the
allotments. Sadly, this rose is in the very area
where I understand Cadent want to place a car
park as part of their gas site upgrades. I will
be sad to see all our hard work and memories
demolished. I’m not sure Cadent realise how
much time, effort and love has gone into each
allotment plot over the many years.
To view Gemma and Sandy’s article from
2011, visit wnstd.com/sanderson
To view the petition to save the Redbridge
Lane West allotments, visit wnstd.com/sta
To advertise, call 020 8819 6645 or visit wnstd.com