First day of work on the allotment. The first thing was to inspect the trading hut and its facilities, get hold of the toilet key and pay our annual subscription - all went swimmingly and we were encouraged to plant onion sets. Plenty of advice is available from all quarters. We took our rake (which broke after two minutes' use), spade, fork, trowel, hand fork, secateurs, kneeler, garden knife and wellies, as well as two folding stools and set up shop. The first task was to take down the old runner beans and put them on the compost. Then we weeded the patch we set aside for onions, and in they went. After that it was a case of clearing a few weeds, harvesting some parsnips and carrots that were already there and finally taking stock and admiring our hard work. And them home for lunch.