PRUDHOE COMMUNITY ALLOTMENT

Latest news  -  visit by the Duke of Kent

by Joan Russell

On 8th April 2010 the Duke of Kent paid a visit to the Allotment during his official visit to the NorthEast.  He spent 45 minutes meeting members, funders, representatives from PTC,  PCP.  Northumbria in Bloom and The National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners and the Allotment Regeneration Initiative.


               

 
He was very impressed with what he saw and really interested in our project.  On leaving he was presented with a ceramic daffodil made by one of the patients from Prudhoe Hospital.     When the royal party left the site everyone was invited to join us in coffee and freshly baked scones and cake. 


 

Prudhoe Community Allotment and Prudhoe Gardeners' Association


President: Mr John Thompson, Snr     Vice President: The Viscount Ridley

The project was begun in 2001 as a response to the Disability Discrimination Act. We have tried to make allotment gardening available to all - whether young or old, able or disabled.  The Prudhoe Community Allotment group is a sub group of Prudhoe Gardeners' Association who manage 100 allotment plots for Prudhoe Town Council.


PCA location in Redwell Court,  Prudhoe

Our Basket Day in May was attended by about 40 visitors and members with everyone making their own baskets.

Our Plant Sale was another great success.  These events raised over £500.

We have carried out an Earthworm Survey in conjunction with Newcastle University.
Results are going to OPAL (Open Air Laboratories) for analysis.

 

 
Facilities and Equipment
We have successfully raised sufficient funds to provide raised beds, pathways, greenhouses, potting shed and other buildings, a summerhouse and disabled toilet, disabled access and many other facilities for the older and less mobile in the community. We have a wide selection of garden tools, compost, fertilisers, and equipment for use by the members. We are promoting allotment gardening which supports healthy living, fresh good, wholesome food and exercise for a healthier life style.  The site is gradually extending and now boasts 3 greenhouses, solar shed and cold frames to assist in the growing of plants.


 
Membership
We have over 30 members who pay an annual subscription of £2. This enables them to grow their own on a raised bed of their choice, suitable for their individual circumstance. However, some members only wish to assist in the running of the project and others only wish to learn about and support the project by paying their membership. It is up to the individual how they wish to partake in the project.  We welcome any new members who may contact the Co-ordinator Joan Russell on 01661 833101 or email joanrussell@talktalk.net
Meetings
Those who wish, meet weekly, to help with community gardening chores necessary for the ongoing sustainability of the project. Some grow fruit and vegetables for their own use. Others help to grow plants and vegetables to sell for the sustainability of the project. Our social gardening days every Wednesday and Friday (10am - 12noon)  always culminate in coffee and biscuits in the summerhouse with gossip time. We learn a lot about gardening just by talking to each other and passing on tips and information. We also have a very extensive library of gardening books to borrow.
Annual Events
We hold an Annual Plant Sale in St. Mary Magdalene Church Hall. We have an annual Open Day in August. We also support Prudhoe Community Partnership in taking part in the Prudhoe Spring Clean and the Prudhoe Autumn Tidy Down.  The AGM is always held in March.