Sevenoaks Allotment Holders' Association

From Vision to Shade: The Story of the Quaker’s Hall Allotment Gazebo

There is something truly special about the way a community comes together to improve a shared space, and the latest addition to the Quaker’s Hall allotments is a perfect testament to that spirit. For a long time, we’ve felt the need for a dedicated spot to escape the midday heat or unexpected showers—a place where we could set down our tools and enjoy the quiet beauty of the site without the sun beating down or getting soaked. This vision finally began to take shape when the committee took on the challenge of finding a structure that was not only durable enough to withstand the elements but also in keeping with the natural character of our wonderful allotment.

Keng Chan (Committee Member) took the lead in carefully researching and collaborating. After identifying a viable, high-quality gazebo, Keng, with the help of Doug Ellish (Committee Member), drafted a proposal for the local council, outlining the benefits such a space would bring to our members. We were delighted when the council recognised the value of the project and granted us the necessary funding. It was a significant milestone that turned a "what if" into a reality, and we are incredibly grateful for their support in making Quaker’s Hall Allotment an even better place to spend our time.

Of course, the arrival of the materials was only half the battle. In the true DIY spirit of the gardening world, our committee members (Robbie Sanders, Keng Chan, Doug Ellish and his team) rolled up their sleeves and took on the task of erecting the gazebo themselves. It was weekends filled with hard work, plenty of measuring, and the kind of camaraderie that defines our association. Watching the structure rise from the ground through sheer volunteer effort made the final result feel even more earned.

Now standing in one of the most scenic spots (Bill’s Orchard) on the allotment, the new gazebo provides a perfect sanctuary. It offers a cool, shady retreat where plot holders can gather to share advice, celebrate a successful harvest, or simply enjoy a well-deserved moment of peace. It’s a wonderful new chapter for Quaker’s Hall Allotment, and we can’t wait to see it become a hub of conversation and community for many seasons to come.

Squeezing the Season: Apple Pressing Day at the Plots

There is something incredibly satisfying about marking the turn of the season by gathering together and making the most of the allotment’s bounty and other local sites. Last year, we embraced the autumn harvest spirit with our very own Apple Pressing Day down at the plots, an event that proved to be a wonderful celebration of community effort and fresh flavours.

A successful event like this doesn't just happen; it requires significant groundwork to ensure everything runs smoothly. The excitement actually began the day before the main event, when a dedicated team of volunteer plot holders rolled up their sleeves to assist David Fawkner (“Head Apple Presser”). They spent hours tackling the crucial, labour-intensive task of pulping huge quantities of apples, ensuring everything was perfectly prepped and ready for the press the following morning. This hard work didn't go unrewarded, as some wonderful ladies from our community arranged a truly festive food spread to keep those hardworking volunteers sustained and spirited throughout the long pulping process.

When the big day finally arrived, we were absolutely thrilled to see an incredible turnout of members and their families eager to get involved. The atmosphere at the plots was buzzing with cheerful chatter and the unmistakable sweet scent of crushed fruit. To complement the main activity, our amazing baking volunteers outdid themselves, providing a stunning array of delicious baked treats that were snapped up and enjoyed by everyone between pressing sessions.

It was heartening to see so many people not only savouring the incredibly fresh, vibrant juice that flowed from the press but also genuinely engaging with the mechanics of the day. Everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy learning the ins and outs of traditional apple pressing, gaining a new appreciation for the journey from tree to glass. The day was a resounding success, filled with laughter, learning, and the delicious taste of our shared harvest, reminding us once again what a fantastic community we have here at the allotments.

A Century in the Making: Reflections on Our Centennial Celebration

There is something deeply grounding about a hundred-year history, especially when that history is written in the soil. On the 27th of April 2025, our allotment association (SAHA) reached that incredible milestone, and we gathered under the spring sun to celebrate a century of growth, community, and the simple joy of getting our hands dirty.

The turnout was nothing short of spectacular. It was a joy to see so many familiar faces—the seasoned growers who have tended their plots for decades standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the newcomers who are just planting their first seeds. The site felt alive with a shared sense of pride that only a century of collective effort can produce.

The celebration was anchored by the irresistible aroma of the BBQs, which became the heart of the afternoon’s festivities. We moved past the standard fare, treating ourselves instead to sizzling Boerewors rolls and "posh" hotdogs piled high with toppings. Of course, no centenary would be complete without a cake, and sharing a slice (or two) felt like the perfect way to toast to the generations of gardeners who came before us.

We were also privileged to host the Mayor, whose presence added a wonderful sense of occasion to the day. Watching them walk the paths and admire the diversity of our plots served as a reminder of how vital these green spaces remain to our local heritage. It isn't just about the vegetables; it’s about the roots we’ve put down as a community.

As we look back on that sunny April afternoon, we are reminded that while the tools and the crops might change over the decades, the spirit of the allotment remains the same. Thank you to everyone who made our 100th anniversary such a resounding success. Here is to the next hundred years of sunshine, rain, and everything in between.

Photos courtesy of Roger Lee, a local allotment holder.