History of Local Authority Allotments as we know them now
Click for the whole article from National Allotment Society
What is an allotment?
Allotments have been in existence for hundreds of years, with evidence pointing back to Anglo-Saxon times. But the system we recognise today has its roots in the Nineteenth Century, when land was given over to the labouring poor for the provision of food growing. This measure was desperately needed thanks to the rapid industrialisation of the country and the lack of a welfare state. In 1908 the Small Holdings and Allotments Act came into force, placing a duty on local authorities to provide sufficient allotments, according to demand.
However it wasn’t until the end of the First World War that land was made available to all, primarily as a way of assisting returning service men (Land Settlement Facilities Act 1919) instead of just the labouring poor. The rights of allotment holders were strengthened through the Allotments Acts of 1922, but the most important change can be found in the Allotments Act of 1925 which established statutory allotments which local authorities could not sell off or covert without Ministerial consent, known as Section 8 Orders. Further legislation has been listed over the intervening years which have affected allotments, the latest of which is the Localism Act 2012.
Allotments have been in existence for hundreds of years, with evidence pointing back to Anglo-Saxon times. But the system we recognise today has its roots in the Nineteenth Century, when land was given over to the labouring poor for the provision of food growing. This measure was desperately needed thanks to the rapid industrialisation of the country and the lack of a welfare state. In 1908 the Small Holdings and Allotments Act came into force, placing a duty on local authorities to provide sufficient allotments, according to demand. However it wasn’t until the end of the First World War that land was made available to all, primarily as a way of assisting returning service men (Land Settlement Facilities Act 1919) instead of just the labouring poor. The rights of allotment holders were strengthened through the Allotments Acts of 1922, but the most important change can be found in the Allotments Act of 1925 which established statutory allotments which local authorities could not sell off or covert without Ministerial consent, known as Section 8 Orders. Further legislation has been listed over the intervening years which have affected allotments, the latest of which is the Localism Act 2012.
http://www.nsalg.org.uk/allotment-info/brief-history-of-allotments/
Allotments Stockport 
Hi my dad Terry Connor had an allotment on St Lesmo Road for years he attended the North West Counties meetings. Loved visiting the allotment especially at harvest time . As dad got older I shared his plot allowing me to grow flowers. Dad was the allotment office at Stockport. Has any one any photos or do you remember my dad. He sadly passed away in 2019 only 16 weeks after his wife my mum passed away.
Hi Denise, I do not have a plot on St Lesmo road, I will pass your message to the St Lesmo road committee.
Hi Denise. I remember Terry really well and in fact mentioned him to al plot holder yesterday when I was reminiscing about SMBC and how they dealt with allotments. Terry helped me get my first plot on st Anne’s road and then moving to Gatley about 1990. We could do with a “Terry” now. Pat
Hello Pat, thank you for replying & remembering my dad Terry. He worked so hard for the allotment movement as his allotment was his passion. Sadly dad passed away in May 2019, I miss him so much , so your reply has meant a lot. Thank you so much
Regards Denise Connor-Moran
So sorry to hear about your dad Terry, I worked closely with your Dad when he worked at Stopford House. I was the horticultural officer. He would get me to come out with him for advice on all sorts of things. Sometimes I think it was just a way of getting out of the office and enjoying the fresh air. I didn’t need much encouragement. My desk was opposite his from 1984 to 1988 and I got promoted and moved out. I enjoyed working with your dad. I thought it was a bit of a character in a nice way.
I have one picture of your dad at his desk taken around 1987. His face is partly obscured by a plant. I’d gladly send it if you have an email address or messenger etc.
Yes please I would love a copy of the photograph
It’s nice to hear people remember my dad, he was a lovely character
Dee.connor48@ntlworld.com
It is nice to have good memories of times on the allotment, do you know where his allotment was?
Jack…
Hi,
My name is Karen Norris my grandad Kack Norris had an allotment for many years. We have lovely memories. He grew so much and he loved the peaceful and social times at the allotments. xxx It looks so beautiful.