There’s nothing like eating fresh, seasonal vegetables that have just been pulled out of the ground. They have a flavour all of their own – and are all the more delicious when home grown!

Until the early ‘70s, the Association’s allotments were a hive of activity, with residents taking advantage of the fertile soil to grow their own food. However, when interest in gardening pursuits started to wane, the land was grassed over and, in recent years, had started to become rather overgrown and untidy. In response to suggestions from residents, the Association has now come full circle by returning the land to its former use. Nine-year-old Howard Cottage resident Callum Britton proudly cut the ribbon at Saturday’s official opening ceremony for the 11 new allotments.

Andie Ford from Bickerdikes Garden Centre, which is a long-standing supporter of the Association, was also on hand with gardening tips and free packets of seeds for the allotment holders.

Howard Cottage Chief Executive Officer John Welch and Board Member Gary Grindal joined residents at the opening ceremony. John said: “I know from speaking to our residents that many people favoured bringing the allotments back into use, so I’m delighted that we have been able to achieve this. There’s such a lot of interest in ‘grow your own’ activities these days that we had no problem at all in finding residents who were interested in becoming allotment holders – the 11 spaces were snapped up almost immediately.”

Jon Thurlow, Tenant Involvement Officer, said: “The reopening of our allotments has created quite a buzz among the Howard Cottage community. Residents of all ages have been very keen to get involved, which is great to see.”

Callum Britton, who cut the ceremonial ribbon, said: “I really enjoy spending time out in the allotment with my grandad and I’m looking forward to the time when we can start digging up the vegetables to eat for our tea!”