The full story...
It is the 1980s. A group of elderly friends, connected by their love of their allotments (in Chaddersley Corbett) are disgusted to discover that their, and other ordinary folks, pleasures and livelihoods are threatened by the rich and greedy.
An unlikely 'gang', they plot a Robin Hood style robbery to right the wrong.
Will they be caught? Can they overcome the forces arrayed against them? Will love and followship endure?
A combined caper and morality tale, The Allotment Gang teaches us that you should not mess with gardeners!
The Author
Originally from Liverpool, but educated in Bromsgrove (South Bromsgrove High School) where his parents still live, Steve Carter died tragically early in late 2022. A Historian and teacher with degrees from Manchester University, Steve was a Justice of the Peace and Labour Councillor in Macclesfield for many years.
This book, with its locus in and around Bromsgrove, was his first novel. It explores themes, locations and characters that will be familiar to many in North Worcestershire, but are of broad appeal to those who like a good tale.
The Illustrator
Steve Carter's friend took on the task of publishing his book after he tragically died in 2022.
He approached me after seeing my work at the Jinney Ring Craft Centre and my previous illustrations of 'Bear Force'.
I was delighted to be involved, especially as the book was fufilling Steve's request and the story is based locally.
I looked at photographs of the allotments at Chaddersly Corbett at the time and researched 80s clothing and gardening equipment.
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A paperback version of the book is now available to purchase from Amazon.