DIGGING THE DIRT THINGS THAT GO CLUNK IN THE LIGHT

John Holloway finds the mechanical and electrical tools on his allotment site somewhat 'challenging', shall we say. But has he found the perfect solution?

- John Holloway

In addition to time spent on the allotment I'm also a keen woodworker. The two seemingly different activities do, however, have some similarities. Both can take your mind to another place, somewhere that allows you to focus, to switch off from a busy world constantly demanding your attention. On our plot I actually like weeding. It's therapeutic. To a background of birdsong being on my knees, trowel in hand, just quietly taking out the little blighters before they can become big blighters is very calming. It's the same in my woodworking shed, chisel or plane in hand as shavings drop quietly to the floor as I fashion something, hopefully, wonderful. The point is you can't beat hand tools in any shape, size or function to feel productive.