The UK’s leading representative body for allotment holders, The National Allotment Society (NAS), has announced John Irwin as its new President.
Formally elected at NAS’ annual general meeting held in June, John brings more than four decades of hands-on allotment experience to the role, alongside a lifelong connection to the National Allotment Society through his father, who held his first plot in the 1960s.
As President, John will represent the Society’s 132,000 members, using his practical, down-to-earth approach, valuable advice and enthusiasm for allotment life to help champion the importance of allotments across the UK.
Of his appointment, John said: “I was just four years old when I first stepped on to an allotment and, in my view, there isn’t anything better! So, I’m very honoured to be elected as President.
“Having spent many years as a member of the management committee at NAS, I will use my experience to lay the foundations for a great and wonderful future of the Society.
“My immediate focus will be on growing our membership base and encouraging more volunteers to come onboard to support us in our mission.”
Commenting on John’s appointment, Sonia Gallagher, National Secretary and General Manager at NAS, said: “Allotments are a valuable part of our UK heritage so we are delighted to announce John as our newly elected President.
“He brings a wealth of experience to the organisation and we look forward to working with John in his new role as we continue in our drive to protect, promote and preserve allotments for future generations to come.”
The National Allotment Society provides its network of 132,000 members with the essential tools, community support and legal protections needed to thrive on the plot, while highlighting their value for food growing, wellbeing, community connection, biodiversity and future generations. Its head office is located in Corby, Northamptonshire.
For more information about the National Allotment Society, visit https://thenas.org.uk.
