hillingdon community
Allotments up for grabs to green-fingered residents Hillingdon Council has 200 allotments available to residents who are looking to enjoy the taste of produce grown on their own plot.
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ast month residents were invited to a special event at Hayes End Allotments to mark National Allotment Week where residents got their hands dirty and learnt about running their own plot. At the event Hillingdon People spoke with three generations of gardeners about the advantages of cultivating your own food. Plot holder Vanessa Bonner has run her own allotment for three years. The 35-year-old works for the Disablement Association Hillingdon (DASH) and has secured funding from BAA Environment Awards in partnership with Groundwork Thames Valley to make three plots on the Belmore Allotments site wheelchair accessible. She said: “My parents grew vegetables in their garden and I did the same until I decided I needed more space. I put my name down on the council list and luckily I didn’t have to wait too long for my plot.” A sentiment 60-year-old George Richardson can appreciate. George has struggled to get an allotment for years and has travelled from south-east London in a bid to secure a plot to call his own. He said: “Around where I live all the sites are full with long-term waiting lists. I’ve been quite desperate to get started. The freshness of the food when you grow it yourself is fantastic. As the autumn season gets into full swing Vanessa will be harvesting potatoes, onions, cabbages and perhaps even a pumpkin with 12-year-old son Carl. Carl said: “I enjoy getting out of the house and getting some exercise and you can eat all the stuff you grow. A lot of my friends didn’t really know what an allotment was. One friend thought potatoes came from a packet in the supermarket.” hillingdon people magazine
Vanessa George
Even if you’ve got health problems you can adjust what you do.
I’ve been quite desperate to get started
Carl
A lot of my friends didn’t really know what an allotment was.
Allotments can be fun for residents of all ages
Vanessa, who is also the site secretary at West Drayton Cemetery allotment, has dropped two dress sizes since she took over her plot. She said: “Even if you’ve got health problems you can adjust what you do. There are quite a few younger people and it can really be a thing you do as a family.” The annual rent for an averagesized 5 sq rod (150 sq yards) plot ranges from £16.40 to £63.75, depending on plot size and what facilities are available at the site. There are also concessionary rates. Councillor Sandra Jenkins, Cabinet Member for
September/October 2010
Environment, added: “Gardening is a great way to stay fit and active and a fun way for families to spend time together. There is a real shortage of allotments across London and we are lucky enough to be able to have some still to offer to residents.” For more information call 01895 277 765 or email nporter@hillingdon.gov.uk
contacts
For more information please call 01895 277 765 or email nporter@hillingdon.gov.uk
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