It’s green thumbs up for allotments!
8:50am Tuesday 2nd August 2011 in News
CELEBRITY gardener Christine Walkden shared green-fingered tips when she was invited to visit a thriving community allotment project.
The television presenter and radio broadcaster was invited to an allotment in Little Hulton, which was set up three years ago as a men’s health project.
It was only due to run for eight-weeks as a pilot scheme to help men who had been, or were, ill and was designed to boost their confidence by enabling them to get out and about while developing lifeskills.
Since then it has grown into a community allotment.
Ms Walkden expressed an interest in visiting the Cleggs Lane Methodist Church Allotment after being told about the project by chaplain Kathleen LaCamera.
During the visit, the celebrity gardener, who has appeared on The One Show, Gardener’s Question Time and the BBC’s coverage of the Chelsea Flower Show, found out how the group >> BY SAIQA CHAUDHARI schaudhari@theboltonnews.co.uk is cultivating a sense of community, self-worth and business opportunities in the one of the most deprived areas of Greater Manchester.
She also staged a questionand- answer session, as well as encouraging local school children to grow carrot tops.
Rev Philip Brooks said: “She was very personable, and told how to deal with tumbleweed and slugs. I am not a gardener, but I was very impressed. It was a real eye-opener.
“It started as a men’s health group and there is now a gardening project for both men and women.“ There is now a community cafe on site and there are plans to develop a Cleggs Lane farmers’ market.
Rev Brooks said: “The project did make a difference to those who were ill because it took them out into the community instead of them staying indoors looking at four walls.
“Christine, who is really passionate about what she does, said allotments are not about growing produce but cultivating people and bringing them in contact with each other.”
To become part of the gardening group, contact Derrick Bradbury on 07817961247.
