Hareham Gardens allotments, run by the James Peacock Bread charity, recently marked the sad passing of their oldest allotment holder, Denis Perrell, who died on Thursday 20th April.
A fruit tree was planted in memory of Denis in the communal orchard at Hareham Gardens on Sunday 14th May. Family members, neighbours, and allotment holders were in attendance as the greengage tree was planted.
A few thoughts and memories about Denis were shared by Peter Johnson-Marshall (charity secretary), a family member, and close neighbours of Denis.
Denis had his first allotment on Hareham Gardens in 1950 when he was 18. Over the years and until the last few months, he was working at the allotments every morning and evening, rain or shine, gradually acquiring more plots, sheds and greenhouses.
He grew the most and the best crops in the traditional way with lots of digging right up to his death at 91 years old. He was always ready to help new growers with advice and practical help, even when he had 8 full plots of his own to work.
A plaque will be placed at the foot of the tree marking Denis’s life.
John Robertson
Treasurer, James Peacock Bread Charity