A Growing Response

All of the produce was freshly picked.  These were vegetables that had not seen the inside of a plastic packet or an aeroplane.  There was a choice to suit all tastes – potatoes, cauliflowers, cabbages, squashes, courgettes, marrows, cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes and onions.  And there was more – cooked and uncooked beetroot, broad beans, French and runner beans, carrots, turnips, garlic and cooking apples.  Oh, and not forgetting, the distinctive black on the outside, white on the inside, deliciously tasty radishes.  A veritable feast.

For more than three hours on the morning of Saturday 17th August, a steady stream of local residents arrived at the allotments off Hailgate to view the produce placed on display by Howden Allotments Association.  But this was not just a plot to leave the site laden with a selection of vegetables, it was also a means of donating to the proposal featured in HM81, the provision of a Community Public Access Defibrillator (CPAD) in the town.

The Allotments Association wasted no time in arranging the event to raise funds for this excellent cause.  Many tenants gave produce either by harvesting it on the morning, or, if they were unable to attend, leaving it with the host of willing stall helpers.  Those present throughout the morning were Audrey and Pete Moore (chairman of the Association), Pat and Dave Blee, Des North, Robin Smith, Dave Powell and Eileen and Arthur Stevens.  All were proud to display their produce but more particularly, were pleased that much of it would soon grace the table of the many residents who had come along to support the event.  As Des North so succinctly put it, “If you can’t eat it, I don’t grow it!”

The morning began with the presentation of a cheque for £50 from allotment funds by the Association’s Secretary, Pat Blee to Community First Responder, Angie Alder.  When all donations had been gathered in, it was clear that ‘digging deep’ had been the firm intention of the local community – a staggering £309.50 had been realised bringing the daily total to £359.50.

This ground-breaking event will surely serve as a starter for a recipe of success for the defibrillator project and encourage others to become involved in activities of their own to raise money for this worthwhile cause.  Anyone wishing to arrange a fundraising event should email Angie Alder at howdenresponders@aol.co.uk

The Ladies on 34A

Please see the attached link to a great article on The Bad Gardeners web site about the four ladies who have taken over plot 34A, half of Mike Lawson's old plot.  They are doing a superb job and making the plot look really attractive and a growing paradise - a plot to be proud of !!!

www.spanglefish.com/HowdenAllotmentsAssociation?r=9e788bf2c0