The Royal Show - Visiting - Our people

Maurice Lander – National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners

Maurice Lander’s enthusiasm for allotments began during the Second World War when, as a young boy he spent time with his family growing their own food to subsidise their rations. Maurice, who has had an allotment all his adult life, is now seeing the need for allotments come full circle; as people try to combat the affects of the recession by growing their own food to save money.

Maurice, 72, has been the West Midlands representative for the National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners for the past eight years.  Maurice is enjoying his retirement by caring for his large allotment on which he grows potatoes, onions, beans, apples, pears and cherries for himself and his family and friends to enjoy.

The National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners is responsible for setting up a 1.6 acre site at this year’s Royal Show – and with over 100,000 people on a waiting list for an allotment and thousands more already ‘growing their own,’ it is guaranteed to be a very popular exhibit. Maurice and fellow allotment owners will be on hand to share their extensive knowledge and passion for this increasingly popular pastime with visitors. Exhibits include a soft fruit and a vegetable garden, a pond and an example of dry stone walling - so whether you are thinking of starting an allotment, want to grow just a few fruit and vegetables or aspire to becoming completely self-sufficient The Royal Show 2009 is a must!

- Ends -

For further media information contact:

Notes for editor:
The Royal Show (7-10 July 2009) is organised by the Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE). RASE is an independent charity with over 6,000 members including the general public and the farming community. RASE works towards a sustainable, vibrant future for British Agriculture and the rural community. For more information about RASE, please contact: 02476 696969 or visit the website www.rase.org.uk.

This year’s “Royal” will be tinged with sadness as the Royal Agricultural Society of England, the show organisers, announced that this will be the 160th and last Show.
 
So be there to share in a piece of British rural history. Enjoy cookery and craft demonstrations and countryside pursuits, an extended farmers’ market and food halls, show jumping and plenty of opportunities to shop! There will also be an action-packed programme in the Grand Ring. Across the show there will be numerous chances to try fresh British food and for the first time 50 French wine growers will be exhibiting at the Show – offering visitors over 200 wines to sample and buy!