Page 45 - ALG Issue 1 2017

NWCAA Best North West Site Competition 2016
Stan Pennington Allotments is a fully self-managed, private site which was previously owned by Pilkington Glass Recreational Club. Boasting 95 working plots and four signi cantly sized community plots, and with thanks to a 25 year lease from our landlord, the allotments have now entered an exciting new era in their 65 year history.
Every day is a hive of activity as our ‘Merry Band of Allotmenteers’ organise or participate in working parties, community maintenance days, plant sales, open days, BBQs, the community shop, and the newly created, surplus produce ‘Honesty Box’.
The site is accessed through large double gates, leading to a spacious car park
which provides easy accessibility for all.
Our open door policy allows all members
of the community to visit. Three generously
proportioned portacabins, fronted by a communal lawned patio area, acts as the allotment’s Community Hub. The units house modern kitchen facilities, disabled toilets,
a comfortable rest area and a training and education suite.
Being at the heart of the community is fundamental to the success of this site. This is re ected through our valuable and constructive alliances with the North West Stroke Association, Stephenson House Day Centre, St. Helens Coalition for Disabled People and St. Teresa’s Primary School.
Stan Pennington Allotments are a precious green corridor for a healthy lifestyle, fresh
air, homegrown produce and a vibrant community.
Andrea Hallissey
The Creation of Community Wins the Prize
What a wonderful day! The sun was shining, the sky was blue, the weather was warm and the allotments looked marvellous!
I turned off Alder Hey Road into the Stan Pennington Allotments and Alan Hull directed me into a car parking spot.
The best allotment site in the northwest was looking a picture. The communal area is magni cent with lawns, seating, a polytunnel, of ces, kitchens and toilets, all of which was done by volunteers.
The rst cups of tea were served and the cakes were admired; the rest of the North West committee turned up, as well as John Maher, of Maher Horticultural Supplies (Bolton) and Alan Rowlands from MCPC Systems - the competition sponsors.
More people were coming in; plot holders and friends, young and old; everyone was served and the presentations could begin.
Alan Hull began by telling about some of the background to the site, and how much work had been done before the site became self-managed.
Andy Percival told us how pleased they were at Lawsons Road, Blackpool to be awarded second prize, and they were going to try to win it next year. Remember this is an annual competition and just because you entered and won something one year does not mean you cannot enter again.
The prizes were presented by John Maher and photos were taken, speeches were made, and the work of the various contributors was praised.
The main points of the speeches was and is that community gardens are good in themselves, but the real value is in the sense of community created by them, and that people working together for the common good de nes community.
This was amply illustrated by the contributions from plot holders who volunteered to make cakes and hotpots to celebrate the winning of the trophy. The hotpot was excellent, the cakes were fantastic and the pride the plot holders showed in their allotments was apparent.
Well done Stan Pennington Allotments, Alder Hey Road, Windle, St Helens.
John Irwin
North West Reg Rep
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