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My Life on a Hillside Allotment (Unabridged)
 
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My Life on a Hillside Allotment (Unabridged) [Audio Download]

by Terry Walton (Author), Gareth Armstrong (Narrator)
5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
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Product details

  • Audio Download
  • Listening Length: 7 hours and 36 minutes
  • Program Type: Audiobook
  • Version: Unabridged
  • Publisher: Random House AudioBooks
  • Audible Release Date: 21 April 2010
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B003IQN94W
  • Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)

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Product Description

Terry Walton has kept an allotment for over 50 years - man and boy - in the Rhondda valley in South Wales. He started when he was four, helping on his dad's plot on the side of the mountain, when he was sent to cut bracken and collect sheep manure by the bucketful to feed the rows of vegetables. By the time he was 11 he had his own plot - the youngest ever to do so - and while still in his teens established an allotment empire to grow the vegetables and flowers he sold to local customers. The proceeds paid for his first car, a canary yellow Ford Popular, when he was just 17.

Set against the changing social scene in Wales - as the traditional culture of coal mining, heavy engineering and poverty gave way to a greener landscape and more affluent community - this is the story of a man with a great passion in life. His allotment has been the centre of his universe. From the first time he opened his eyes in a nursing home the other side of the allotment fence to his current role as media personality on radio, tv and in the press, Terry's tale unfolds in fascinating detail. He lovingly documents the changes over the years, the characters he meets and his own hearfelt conversion to organic gardening methods. This fascinating memoir also includes anecdotes, topical tips and family recipes plus delightful line drawings, which will make it the perfect gift for gardeners and allotmenteers.

©2007 Terry Walton; (P)2009 Random House Audio
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
31 of 31 people found the following review helpful
Suprisingly Readable! 29 Mar 2007
Format:Hardcover
I purchased this book not through an interest in gardening, or even in particular an interest in the Welsh Valleys but because of my fondness of Terry Walton's snippets on the Jeremy Vine show on Radio 2 and his sense of humour.

I wasn't sure what to expect, but what I found was an enthusiastically written and heart felt tome which is harder than any book I've read in recent years (with the exception, sadly, of the Harry Potter series!) to put down.

It's obvious from the start that Terry enjoyed writting the book and is keen to share every aspect of his life, memories and gardening tips!

The book not only provides a fascinating insight to life in the Rhondda over the past 60 years but also many interesting stories about what has been a life of varied fortunes and interests.

It's hard not to want to go out, buy a spade and start cultivating your garden into a little oasis of flowers and veg having read this book, Terry's fondness for all things horticultural seems to seep into you as you read!

I'd recommend this book whole heartedly to anyone who enjoys gardening, good humour or simply a good yarn.
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20 of 20 people found the following review helpful
An Inspiration! 26 Mar 2007
By Andi B
Format:Hardcover
I read this in just three sittings - I didn't want to put it down!

If you have an allotment or just enjoy growing your veg in your own garden - you'll love this book.

If you have no interest in growing veg but just love listening to Terry on BBC Radio 2's Jeremy Vine show - you'll love this book.

If you like autobiographies - you'll love this book.

If you just want something a bit different and a nice easy read - you'll love this book.

I like all four hence the 5 star rating!

This is a really easy read about a very "down to earth" (excuse the pun) guy who has worked hard all his life and is passionate about his allotments. It's a great insight into life in the Welsh Valleys in 50's & 60's. It is also very funny in many parts (his radio character carries well across in written form) and I caught myself laughing out loud on many occasions! This is a real refreshing change from garden advice books and the like.

I dare you to read it and not be inspired to have a go at growing a few spuds, carrots or even a few lettuces in a tub on the patio this year! Terry is a real inspiration and I'll certainly be planting a few veggies this year in tribute to the guy!
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13 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Life Through A Lense. 27 Mar 2007
Format:Hardcover
I've almost finished this book, and what a wonderful read it is!

It's chocked full of gardening tips for any budding allotmenteer, or any hardened gardners, all interwoven through the tale of Terry's fifty years on his hillside plot.

This is more than a simple autobiographical gardening book, this is also the story of the ever changing shape of the Rhondda Valley, socially, economically and geographically. All seen through the fish eye lense of a small plot of fertile land, nestled away on a windswept Rhondda hillside.

Terry's lifelong passion for gardening leaps from every page, and his enthusiasm knows no bounds, even his wife's airing cupboard is not safe from invasions of seedlings! Terry's infectious humour radiates through as well, some pages had me chuckling away for ages.

I heartly recommend this book, not just to fans of Jeremy Vines show, who listen to Terry regularly; not just to everyone who ever has, or wants to pick up a spade and grow their own, but to all who want to know a little of life in the South Wales Valleys over the past fifty years.

Five stars from me!
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