Last May (2023) saw the sad death of Sid Mullett, aged 78 after a long illness.
Sid had had an allotment at Wolsey Drive for well over 30 years having inherited the plot from his father.
Sid lived almost all his life in Kingston. He married and had two children - Martin and Madeleine. The marriage did not last, but his children brought him great happiness as did his two grandsons.
Sid worked for the electrical goods company Phillips, in their plastics department. He was made redundant in his late 50s and instead of getting another conventional job decided to pursue his great love when he became a freelance gardener.
Sid was a stalwart at Wolsey Drive where he could be found daily. He would set off each morning with a flask of mint tea - harvested and dried from his plot of course. You knew he was there when you saw his little van parked outside the main gate, or by his laugh which you heard ringing across the site. His gardening knowledge was second to none, and whatever your query he could be relied upon to dispense advice. He quietly maintained the site seeking no thanks or accolades. He cut the grass paths, trimmed the edges, kept the brambles and nettles under control, fixed the gates or fencing as required. Grew vegetables, fruits and flowers, water lilies and lilacs.
Sid learned that Pembroke Lodge was disposing of its iris collection. He came to the rescue and transplanted them to WD. Their beauty when they flower each spring is a tribute to him.
To say that Sid is missed is an understatement. His odd-jobs are now undertaken by a whole team of volunteers, affectionately nicknamed "Sid's Army'. A much-needed seating area will be sited from one of his plots with a bench in his honour.
We miss you Sid.