Hi there
My name is Alison Bates, usually known as Ali.
I have been retired for 3 years now, having spent a large part of my working life as a church minister. My early years were spent working in pharmaceutical research and I have kept my love of biology and the natural world. We are probably all concerned about what is happening to our planet, its health and biodiversity, and there will be some stuff on here about that from time to time.
Retirement has enabled me to take on an allotment, which I love, they are the most amazing places and gardened by some great people. My goal is to be as self sufficient as I can be on my half size plot (about 125sq m).
Although I am retired I still like to study and write about my faith. Over the years the Bible has been a great source of wisdom, comfort and challenge, and has definitely shaped my life for the better.
So, this is life, faith and vegetables!