Bad Kissingen: married couple Voll ceremoniously farewelled from the allotment garden association

Bad Kissingen: married couple Voll ceremoniously farewelled from the allotment garden association

In Bad Kissingen it's time to say goodbye: The married couple Helmut and Marion Voll were farewelled from the management team at a moving annual general meeting of the Bad Kissingen allotment garden association. After decades of commitment to the “Rhönblick” and “Steingraben” allotment garden colonies, they are handing over the reins to a new generation. Helmut Voll had been chairman since 1995 and Marion Voll took over the role of treasurer in 1993. And not without reason, because their achievements have left their mark.

The Bad Kissingen allotment garden association manages a total of 80 plots that range between 150 and 400 m². The two colonies, “Rhönblick” with an area of ​​30,000 m² and “Steingraben” with 4,500 m², are not only used for self-sufficiency, but have developed into popular retreats for families over the years. Originally founded to support family nutrition, the gardens now provide space for relaxation and community.

A look back

The meeting took a look back at the club's history since 1989. This included the conversion of arable land and various structural measures that improved the quality of life in the gardens. Particularly worth mentioning is the award of the “Rhönblick” complex with the silver medal in the “Most Beautiful Allotment Garden in Bavaria” competition in 2005. Helmut Voll was honored with the state decoration for his services to volunteer work.

Marion Voll also presented a positive cash report for 2024, which was unanimously approved by the audit by Carmen Müller and Edgar Kast. This shows that the club's financial affairs are in good shape, which is not a given in these times.

The new board

After the farewell to Helmut and Marion Voll, the scepter now goes to the new board, consisting of Jörg Müller (1st chairman), Sigi Töpfer (2nd chairman) and Viktoria Antoschkina (treasurer). Helmut Voll became honorary chairman, while Marion Voll and Edgar Kast also became honorary members. It is hoped that the new managers will have a good hand for the well-being of the gardens, as their predecessor wished.

The allotment colonies are not only a place for gardening, but also contribute to the green infrastructure and biodiversity in urban areas. There are around 900,000 allotment garden plots in Germany, which are used by around 5 million people. These small oases have proven over the years to be essential for community and self-sufficiency, especially in times of crisis.

While the allotment garden associations like in Bad Kissingen remain alive through voluntary work and community spirit, the question of the future also arises. In urban areas, waiting times for an allotment are often long, while rural areas struggle with vacancies. A challenge that the new board members have to accept in order to keep the allotment garden association attractive.

What will happen next in Bad Kissingen remains to be seen, but the commitment of Helmut and Marion Voll will live on in the hearts of gardeners. Hopefully the gardens will remain a place of retreat, community and nature for many generations.