General Discussion

Dawlish presently has over 40 persons on its waiting list for allotments. The lease on the allotments it has, is due to run out in 2011. Dawlish needs more allotments. That it has a waiting list shows that there is already a need. Take a look at what was in today's (5.7.08) Express & Echo.


NEW ALLOTMENTS ARE ENABLE VILLAGERS TO GROWN
BY CAROLINE ABBOTT

11:40 - 05 July 2008

Green-fingered villagers in Kenton have been working hard on their recently opened allotments. There are 38 plots of varying sizes in Mamhead Road, the largest being 25m by 10m, which is about the size of a tennis court.

Plot holders range from young to old, from complete novice to established gardener, and from all backgrounds. The school has a plot and there are plots for less able people, such as Tony Fortune.

Tony, 56, has used a wheelchair for 31 years. He was in the Marines until an accident left him paralysed from the waist down.

Half of Tony's plot consists of raised beds and hard standing. Tony's wife Jackie helps with tasks such as planting in the areas Tony can't access.

Tony said the allotments are a great amenity.

"The experience of growing and eating your own veg is healthy and keeps you active," he said. "It's a calming thing to do. It's a lovely place to sit back after you've done some digging. The views are spectacular."

The allotments have helped build community spirit.

Tony said: "It's nice to chat to people you don't normally speak to, and people help each other out such as by watering plots when you're away or by giving advice."

Tony has a small courtyard garden at home but not enough room to grow much produce.

He now grows potatoes, marrows, beans, peas, carrots, mange tout, onions and leeks on his allotment, as well as flowers. He said: "Marigolds keep the pests off other things as they prefer to eat flowers. They also encourage bees which help pollination."

People started working on their plots after Christmas but the opening of the allotments wasn't held until May. The event was attended by around 500 people.

Steve Cowell, chairman of the village's allotments association, which has 50 members, said was very pleased with the progress made.

"Setting it up took a long time, but gardeners are used to being patient," he said.

It took four years for his idea to come to fruition. After £22,000 was raised from grants, donations and fundraising, permission was obtained and various hurdles were overcome.

Steve said: "Food is getting more expensive and people like to know what they're eating. It's up to them what they grow and what they put on it. A lot of people are concerned about food miles and it's nice to eat fresh food.

"There's a waiting list now. I think there will be more and more demand for allotments. In a couple of years' time we might see if we can get more land.

"The next thing to do is link up with groups in Dawlish, Exminster and Topsham to share ideas and information."

The public will be invited to the allotments during national allotment week in August.