A private allotment has transformed into a shared gardening project.
The Rooksdown Revellers Women's Institute (WI) came up with the idea to make the most of the plot after a meeting at the allotment with WI president Pauline Stainer, which also featured a talk from local beekeepers.
Several members expressed interest in helping Pauline with her plot, which she was considering giving up.
The council was contacted, permission was granted for Pauline to have "co-workers", and the WI allotment was created.
Read more
-
Liverpool group expands to Basingstoke to promote friendship and support
-
'I hope to lead with kindness' - Community group appoints new president
-
Basingstoke veteran receives royal treatment during Germany visit
-
Young carers set for action-packed summer after £1,000 donation
Despite receiving keys late in the first year, members managed to produce a variety of crops, including beans, courgettes, butternut squash, tomatoes, onions, garlic and potatoes.
A significant yield also came from an existing Bramley apple tree.
A polytunnel was added, and the produce range has expanded to include carrots, parsnips, beetroot, radishes, chard and several varieties of tomatoes.
Currently, seven members meet on Monday evenings and alternate Saturday mornings for a watering rota, which involves using watering cans filled from troughs.
They also use this time for weeding and catching up over tea and coffee.
The allotment has provided other benefits too.
Fruit from the allotment was once used to make jam, which became the centrepiece for a cream tea with homemade scones.
Plans for the allotment continue to grow.
A shed has been added, a greenhouse is being considered and members are thinking about taking on more space to increase their crops.
The allotment has also strengthened friendships within the WI, while links with other allotment holders have led to the exchange of gardening tips, ideas and surplus produce.
The allotment was the venue for a recent WI barbecue.
Members brought food to share, portable barbecues were used and everyone enjoyed a get-together.
The allotment has become a peaceful place to visit, particularly on a summer evening, to listen to birds, enjoy the surroundings and recharge.
The allotment is just one of the many sub-groups available to members.
For more information, contact Pat at pat.dominey152@icloud.com.
Share