Asians root for ‘grow your own’ amid scarcity of plots
Southall allotments bring communities together, says Royal Horticultural Society member
By Amit RoyOct 19, 2023
AMARJIT SINGH GUDAIL, who is a member of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), agrees there is now a shortage of allotments in the country.
Last Sunday (15), he showed Eastern Eye around the Bixley Fields Allotments in Southall in west London, from where it is possible to see “up to six planes queuing up to land at Heathrow”.
Bixley Fields, just off Merrick Road, is a 10-minute walk from Southall railway station, and now only 20 minutes from central London’s Bond Street on the Elizabeth Line.
That explains the proliferation of highrise buildings in Southall, once known as “Little Ludhiana” as this was the first point of settlement for Indian immigrants from the Punjab in the 1960s and 1970s. “Property prices in Southall have doubled since the Elizabeth Line was built,” said Amarjit.
In April this year, a team from the RHS visited the Bixley Fields Allotments, the biggest in Southall, where Amarjit is in charge as the “site manager”. Of the 76 plots in Bixley Fields, half are taken up by enthusiastic Asian gardeners, both men and women, who made their applications years ago.
The RHS team consulted Amarjit ahead of the construction of the RHS/Eastern Eye “Garden of Unity” at the Chelsea Flower Show. The garden has been moved to a school in Battersea.
Amarjit said: “There was a time when people were not that interested in allotments. Now it has become very difficult to get one.”
He was commenting on a recent report in the Guardian which said: “There are few things so quintessentially English as the allotment, but the number of people waiting for a space of their own has almost doubled in the last 12 years.
“The most recent figures, obtained by independent artists and supported by Greenpeace through freedom of information requests, show there are now at least 157,820 applications sitting on English local authorities’ allotment waiting lists, up 81 per cent from 12 years ago, when researchers found the figure was 86,787.
“The average waiting time for an allotment was three years, while residents of Islington, north London, faced a 15-year wait. The local authority with the longest waiting list was Bristol, with 7,630 outstanding applications, followed by Sunderland, Portsmouth, Southampton, Edinburgh and Manchester.
“A spokesperson for the National Allotment Society said the steady increase in demand for allotments had been down to the cost of living crisis, the increased interest in ‘growing your own’ during Covid, and better awareness of sustainable growing and healthy eating.”
Southall is a very diverse place but, according to Amarjit, there is very little social intermixing between different religious or ethnic groups.
“However, the one place where they come together is in the allotments. Here, we have Asians, black people, white people, Sikhs, Hindus, Muslims, Christians. We only ask people to have an interest in gardening.”
He finds the English tend to focus on “beauty and flowers”, and the Asians on vegetables. He points out an allotment with dahlias. “We call her the flower lady.”
In one Asian-owned greenhouse, there are shelves stacked with onions. There are banana plants looking healthy despite the drop in temperature. They provided a touch of the tropics.
At Bixley Fields, Amarjit’s wife, who is as enthusiastic a gardener as her husband, has cleared their family plot “ready for the planting of garlic”.
Amarjit, who is partial to the blackberries that he grows, says: “This has been a good season. It has been especially good for runner beans, sweetcorn, squashes and chillis.”
Although it is the end of the season, it is still possible see lettuces and the last of the tomatoes on the plants.
On BBC Radio 4 last week, Today presenter Mishal Husain joked: “Got to get some tips from them. I failed even at tomatoes this summer. I thought tomatoes were fairly easy to do – it’s very worrying.”
Her remarks came after fellow presenter Amol Rajan had followed up on the Guardian report on the shortage of allotments.
Rekha Mistry, who has made a name for herself by writing and presenting TV programmes about her allotment, told him: “I am no longer on our allotment. I gave up my allotment last year because I moved home to the Peak District. But I had an allotment for 13 years in London.
“And when I got that plot, I think that was the best thing I ever did. It was a joy when I was told I could have one.
“At that time the waiting list was there. But I didn’t realise that I could get it within three months. And that’s what happened to me. I got it within three months thinking I was on a very long waiting list.”
Asked the reason for her sense of joy, she explained: “Because it’s something I’ve always wanted to do is grow my own. At that time – remember, this is going back 13 years – (allotments) were still a retirees’ playground. It wasn’t for young folk.
“When I told my friends that I was doing this, they sort of just smiled, ‘Oh my dear, what are you doing?’ but it’s something I wanted to do. And that’s what came about.
“And once I started growing things, I wanted to learn more. I went into the RHS, doing their course, because I really wanted to learn more and work with plants. And my life suddenly changed from there on.”
She expressed concern that councils were now selling their allotments to developers: “Some places are council run, some are private allotments. When they decide to sell allotment land, that’s when it really bugs me.”
She declared: “I don’t like allotments being sold. But if you are going to sell land, why don’t we say (to councils and developers), ‘Please make sure that there’s a piece of land (for gardening).’ Although there’s housing, we need to have some space for growing – for everyone. That is one thing that’s missing when we have developments. We’re not just developing houses, we need to be developing green spaces for growing.”
Impressed with Mistry’s passion, Rajan urged her to go into politics.
With his brooding charm, striking screen presence, impressive acting ability and fiercely loyal fan base, Vivian Dsena has carved a niche for himself on Indian television.
From playing the intense Rishabh Kundra in Madhubala – Ek Ishq Ek Junoon to the vampire Abhay Raichand in Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani, and the emotionally complex Harman in Shakti – Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki, Dsena has always picked roles that challenge the norm – and he has done it all on his own terms.
Most recently, he entered the popular reality show Bigg Boss after years of turning it down, and made a strong impression on viewers.
Eastern Eye caught up with the massively popular star, who shuttles between Mumbai and Bahrain, to reflect on his journey. He also spoke about what truly matters in life, family, creative inspirations, his dream role, the one thing he wants to master, the secret of a good performance, his loyal fanbase and why he likes being unpredictable.
Vivian Dsena getty images
You have always done everything on your own terms. How do you reflect on that career journey? Conviction is the most important thing for an actor. With every project, I had to convince myself that I could play the character and look the part. Only then would I say yes. That’s why I’ve always been selective. God has also been kind. I’ve had four shows on air as a lead, and by God’s grace, all were successful. So yes, conviction has played a huge role in my career.
Did you decide early on to prioritise quality over quantity? It just happened by chance. I was someone in the right place at the right time – although there’s been a lot of hard work behind it. But they say when something is destined for you, sometimes you walk towards it, and sometimes it walks towards you. I think I chose the right roles at the right time. Heartfelt thanks to God and my lovely viewers.
They asked you every year to do Bigg Boss, and you always refused. What changed? My wife and I were talking about work. She said, “Baba, you need to step out of your comfort zone. You’re not going back to another daily soap, so why not try Bigg Boss?” I asked, “Are you sure?” But she was the one who convinced me. It was mainly Nouran who encouraged me to do the show.
How do you look back on your experience on Bigg Boss? It was a fantastic experience – something I achieved as a person. There were moments when I felt anxious or angry, like anyone would, but I managed to control myself while living in that house.
What did you learn about yourself in that setting? Bigg Boss is about survival of the fittest. In life, you meet all kinds of people – some kind, some who teach you something, and some you’d prefer not to meet again, but destiny brings them into your life. That’s how life is – full of such encounters – and it carries on, even after a show like Bigg Boss.
Would you have done anything differently? No, I wouldn’t. That’s who I am and how I’ve always been. We all grow into the people we are. Asjad, you’ve known me for nearly 16 years — since I first started playing lead roles. I’ve changed a lot over time. I’m a father now. Life teaches you constantly.
You’re known for being unpredictable. What’s your plan next? (Laughs) I think that unpredictability is what people love about me – and I enjoy it too. It’s like that line from The Devil’s Advocate, where Al Pacino says, “I’m a surprise. They don’t see me coming.” That surprise element keeps things exciting and keeps me energised. What I can share, as a brother, is that there are some projects coming up – including web shows I’m in talks for. Hopefully, you’ll see me in a new kind of role soon.
Vivian Dsenagetty images
What inspires you creatively? My fans. They made me who I am. I still remember when you first contacted me because of fan demand. I was surprised that people in London knew me! I even asked you, “Do people in London know who I am?” So yes – it’s always been the audience that inspires me.
You have an incredibly loyal fan base. What does that love mean to you? It means a lot. It keeps me creatively alert. More than just loving them back, I feel responsible towards them. I owe it to them to work hard, explore new characters, avoid repetition, and be a good role model.
Is there one role you haven’t played but would love to? Yes – I’d love to play a rock star. That’s one character I really want to take on in a well-written story.
You’ve stayed away from films so far. Is that still your choice? Right now, there’s a lot to focus on – non-fiction TV and web shows – so that’s where my attention is. But if a good film came along, I wouldn’t rule it out. You can do just TV and OTT and still survive – and thrive! By God’s grace and my fans’ love, I’ve survived for 17 years without doing a film. Inshallah, I’ll continue to do so.
You’re widely seen as a very good actor. What’s the secret to a strong performance? Thank you, brother – it means a lot coming from you, since you’ve seen my whole journey. For me, it starts with connecting to the character. If I can’t feel it, I won’t take it. There have been shows where I said no right after the narration because I couldn’t relate to the character. You need to understand the role – and believe in it completely.
What are your biggest passions away from work? Spending time with my family. I live in Mumbai, and they’re in Bahrain, so whenever I get the chance, I travel to be with them. That’s the most fulfilling part of my life outside work.
If you could master one new thing, what would it be? Skydiving has always been on my bucket list. But it can wait – there are other things to focus on first.
And your wife would never let you do it. She wouldn’t stop me – but once I master it, she definitely won’t come with me. And she won’t let the kids join me either.
What’s your idea of happiness today? What I’ve realised in 36 years is that we all work hard for our families – for the people waiting for us at home. The deepest contentment comes from family and their comfort. That’s where real happiness lies.
You’ve become a strong role model for the younger generation. There’s a difference between being popular and being a responsible celebrity. A popular person says things to please the crowd. A responsible celebrity says things that add value to society. That’s the difference – and I believe in leading by example.
What advice would you give young people starting their careers? Never give up. There will be moments when it feels like everything is falling apart. But when you think it’s the end, it’s actually not. It’s the beginning of a new journey – one you can’t see yet.
Why do you love being an actor? Because I believe this is what I do best – by God’s grace and with the love of my fans.
A new digital upgrade to the NHS app is set to ease the burden on pharmacies across England, with the introduction of a real-time prescription tracking feature for patients. The update allows users to follow the progress of their medication in a manner similar to online retail platforms, reducing the need for phone calls and in-person enquiries about prescription status.
According to NHS England, nearly half of all calls to community pharmacies are related to prescription updates. The new system is intended to alleviate this administrative workload, enabling pharmacy staff to focus more on direct patient care.
The prescription tracking feature has already been rolled out to nearly 1,500 pharmacies, including major high street chains such as Boots. Plans are in place to expand the service to almost 5,000 pharmacies nationwide over the next year.
Dr Vin Diwakar, NHS England’s clinical transformation director, said the feature gives patients greater autonomy in managing their care. “You will now get a near real-time update in the app that lets you know when your medicine is ready so you can avoid unnecessary trips or leaving it until the last minute to collect,” he explained. “The new Amazon-style feature will also help to tackle the administrative burden on pharmacists, so they can spend more of their time providing health services and advice to patients.”
Health Secretary Wes Streeting welcomed the development, emphasising the importance of applying digital innovation to everyday healthcare services. “If patients can track the journey of their food shop, they should be able to do the same with their prescriptions,” he said. “By harnessing the power and efficiency of modern tech, we're saving patients time, driving productivity and freeing up hardworking pharmacists to do what they do best – helping patients, not providing status updates.”
Boots, which is participating in the rollout, says the new functionality will significantly improve customer service. Anne Higgins, pharmacy director at Boots, said: “For the first time, when a patient orders their prescription via the NHS app and they’ve nominated a Boots pharmacy to dispense it, they can view its journey at every key step of the process. This will remove the need for patients to call our pharmacy team for updates on their prescription so they can spend more time with patients and deliver vital services like NHS Pharmacy First.”
The prescription tracking tool is integrated into the existing NHS app, which already allows patients to order repeat prescriptions, access their health records, book appointments, and use a barcode to collect medication. NHS data shows that the app now has 37.4 million registered users, with around 11.4 million using it monthly. Between April 2024 and April 2025, the number of repeat prescriptions ordered through the app rose by 40 per cent, reaching 5.5 million.
The update is being viewed as a major advancement in digital healthcare. Olivier Picard, chairman of the National Pharmacy Association, described it as a “game-changer”. He noted that the absence of such features had contributed to relatively low patient engagement with the NHS app in the past. “Pharmacies want to do all they can to embrace new technology and make the vital services they offer as easy and convenient as possible for patients to access,” Picard said.
He also highlighted the importance of ensuring that independent community pharmacies, which make up the majority of outlets across England, are included in the rollout. “It’s important that this new prescription tracking feature is quickly made available to all independent community pharmacies,” he said. “This will help maximise the benefit of the service for patients across the country.”
With growing pressure on both GPs and pharmacies, the NHS sees technology as a vital tool in streamlining operations and improving patient satisfaction. The prescription tracking system, while relatively simple, is expected to play a key role in modernising day-to-day healthcare interactions.
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Charli XCX strikes a pose backstage after her big Ivor Novello win
Charli XCX, known for her music and rebellious spirit, has just been named Songwriter of the Year at the 2025 Ivor Novello Awards. Held at London’s Grosvenor House, the ceremony recognised the people behind the music, including those who write the lyrics, shape the melodies, and craft the tunes that stick with us. And this year, it was Charli’s moment.
In a cheeky acceptance speech, she quoted lyrics from her own song Club Classics: “I wanna dance to me, me, me…” and followed it up by saying, “I’m hardly Bob Dylan.” But behind the humour was a clear truth: she’s worked hard to create something uniquely her own. Her 2024 album Brat captured both chaos and honesty, mixing club-ready beats with raw questions about fame, identity, and relationships. It was not just a hit on the charts; it sparked a wider cultural moment. Even the word “brat” made it into the Collins Dictionary’s Word of the Year.
Charli XCX posing after winning Songwriter of the Year at the 2025 IvorsGetty Images
The Ivors, now in their 70th year, celebrate excellence in songwriting, voted for by fellow songwriters. That makes this recognition feel especially real. Brat may not have won Best Album, that went to Berwyn for Who Am I, but Charli’s influence on pop this past year is undeniable. Her music has been everywhere, with her songs reportedly played over 50 times a day across UK airwaves.
The awards also spotlighted new and rising talent. Lola Young won the Rising Star Award, thanks to the success of her gritty hit Messy, while Myles Smith’s Stargazing took home the award for the most-played song of the year. Orla Gartland’s intimate ballad Mine was named Best Song Musically and Lyrically, and Sans Soucis won Best Contemporary Song for Circumnavigating Georgia.
Elsewhere, U2 were honoured with a lifetime fellowship, Brandon Flowers of The Killers won the special international award, and Robbie Williams was celebrated as a music icon.
As Charli XCX said herself, a good song isn’t just about melody; it’s about having a point of view. And with Brat, she’s made hers loud and clear.
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Marsh hit 117 off 64 balls, including 10 fours and eight sixes, helping Lucknow post 235-2 in their 20 overs. (Photo: Getty Images)
MITCHELL MARSH scored his first Indian Premier League century as Lucknow Super Giants defeated Gujarat Titans by 33 runs in Ahmedabad on Thursday.
Marsh hit 117 off 64 balls, including 10 fours and eight sixes, helping Lucknow post 235-2 in their 20 overs.
In response, Gujarat, who have already qualified for the playoffs, were restricted to 202-9 at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
"We gave 15-20 runs extra. If we'd stopped them at 210-220 it would've been better, that was a huge difference," said Gujarat captain Shubman Gill. "Getting momentum back will be key in the next game."
Lucknow were already out of the playoffs and played for pride.
Gujarat opener Sai Sudharsan, the tournament’s top scorer, made 21 before being caught by Aiden Markram off Will O’Rourke, who took 3-27. Gill, who looked in rhythm, was dismissed for 35, caught in the deep by Abdul Samad off Avesh Khan.
Jos Buttler added 33 before falling to Akash Singh in the 10th over.
Shahrukh Khan (57) and Sherfane Rutherford (38) built a brief partnership but O’Rourke struck twice in the 17th over to end Gujarat’s chase.
"We had a lot of fun out there, T20 is fickle," said O'Rourke.
Earlier, Marsh and Markram gave Lucknow a solid start with a 91-run opening partnership after Gujarat won the toss and chose to bowl first.
Markram hit two consecutive sixes off Kagiso Rabada but was caught by Shahrukh Khan near the boundary off Sai Kishore for 36.
Marsh kept scoring quickly, taking 25 runs off Rashid Khan’s first over. He reached his century in 56 balls before being caught by Rutherford off Arshad Khan for 117.
Nicholas Pooran made an unbeaten 56 off 27 balls, including four fours and five sixes. Captain Rishabh Pant remained not out on 16.
The IPL resumed last Saturday after a pause due to a deadly conflict between India and Pakistan, which had led overseas players to reassess their plans.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Among the standout announcements was Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2’s Siege Mode
The Warhammer Skulls 2025 showcase has once again delivered a wealth of announcements for fans of Games Workshop's vast gaming universe, with Warhammer 40K leading the charge. From new expansions and surprise reveals to free updates and overhauls of classic titles, the event highlighted the continued momentum of the Warhammer video game portfolio.
Running from 22 to 29 May 2025, Warhammer Skulls also features substantial discounts across the Epic Games Store, giving players a chance to expand their collections while enjoying fresh content.
Major expansions deepen Warhammer 40K narratives
Owlcat Games, known for its work on Pathfinder and Rogue Trader, revealed Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy, a party-based RPG that places players in the role of Inquisition acolytes confronting corruption across the Imperium. Set to feature turn-based combat and story-driven gameplay, Dark Heresy builds upon the studio’s reputation for deep narrative choices and tactical combat. This marks a significant step in translating the tabletop RPG to digital formats.
Also from Owlcat, Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is expanding with Lex Imperialis, a major story-driven DLC releasing on 24 June. It introduces the Adeptus Arbites, a faction of Imperial law enforcers, alongside a grim new companion, Solomorne Anthar. With 15 hours of additional gameplay, this expansion is just the beginning, Season Pass 2 includes two more substantial story packs. One will send players into a Necron vault ruled by Trazyn the Infinite, and another will plunge them into the Processional of the Damned, a voidship graveyard steeped in madness. Each expansion offers new companions, mechanics, and quests.
Gameplay evolution and free content
Among the standout announcements was Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2’s Siege Mode, a free addition introducing an endless PvE survival challenge. Up to three players can team up to defend an Imperial fortress on Kadaku against waves of Tyranids and Chaos enemies. Launching on 4 June via a public test server, this update will also debut the powerful Inferno Pistol and reward players with prestige rankings and cosmetics.
- YouTubeYouTube/ Fatshark
On 26 June, Space Marine 2’s Patch 8 will unlock two cosmetic DLCs: the White Scars Chapter Pack and Blood Angels Cosmetic Pack. These offer new class skins, weapon customisations, and chapter heraldry for both primary and successor chapters. The attention to detail in these cosmetic packs reinforces the developers' commitment to honouring the lore and fan expectations.
Meanwhile, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition brings the 2011 third-person shooter back with modern enhancements. Launching 10 June, the remaster includes 4K visuals, updated models, improved UI, and all original DLCs. Developed by SneakyBox, this edition is tailored for both veterans and newcomers wanting to experience the classic through a modern lens.
New factions and features across titles
The fast-paced fantasy sports title Blood Bowl 3 will introduce the Khorne faction on 10 June. Known for their brutal tactics and bloodthirsty devotion, the Khorne team adds a chaotic edge to the turn-based game. Players can also unlock an exclusive Khorne coach via the in-game store until 29 May. A 60% discount on the base game coincides with the update, encouraging new coaches to join the fray.
In another first for the franchise, Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus II was revealed to be adding the Leagues of Votann, spacefaring dwarves with a penchant for AI and technological worship. It’s the faction’s first major video game appearance since their 2022 tabletop debut. Although details remain sparse, more information is expected soon.
Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector is also expanding with Deeds of the Fallen, a new campaign DLC featuring the Sisters of Battle in a 12-mission conflict against orc invaders. The update includes three new units, Imagifier, Castigator Battle Tank, and Zephyrim. In addition, the game introduces Crusade Mode, a horde-based survival challenge, alongside two free units for Adepta Sororitas and Ork factions.
Teasers and what’s next
Creative Assembly’s Total War: Warhammer III hinted at its upcoming Tides of Torment Lords Pack. The trailer showcased Dechala the Denied One, a six-armed champion of Slaanesh, and promised new mechanics, Legendary Lords, and units. Full details are expected later this summer.
With these diverse announcements and a mix of free updates, paid expansions, and remastered content, Warhammer 40K continues to expand its presence in gaming. The Skulls 2025 event highlights the adaptability and scale of the franchise, whether through deep strategy, action-packed battles, or story-driven campaigns, the grimdark future is more immersive than ever.