Page 45 - ALG Issue 4 2014 Digital Edition

North West
Memorial Garden and Events Arena at Penwortham Holme West Allotments, Preston
The Memorial Garden was created in memory of a committee member, Valerie Van Holsbeke, who was a devoted gardener and committee member and sadly passed away in 2013. The Memorial Garden and the Events Arena have been created to provide a
site for the Association to hold social events throughout the year, including a Plant Swop and Allotment Show; it is hoped that it will also provide both a quiet place to watch the world go by or pass the time of day when our members need a break from digging and a place to share stories and gardening tips with each other.
The idea for the garden came from the Site Representative, David Green, who designed the garden and managed the project from start to finish. Our landlords, Preston City Council, agreed that we could convert an abandoned plot near the site entrance and work began
in April 2014. Applications for funding started at the same time and we were able to secure three quarters of the funding required from local county councillors and the Lease of Life Fund. Our devoted members also contributed both money and time. The remaining funding came from the Association itself.
All of the committee, along with volunteers from our members, gave their free time to help convert the site. The work was completed in time for our Allotment Show in August 2014.
Work started in April, with association members clearing an abandoned plot. There was a lot of rubbish as well as a huge compost heap to clear. Once the plot was cleared, it was covered with top soil and raised beds constructed; the raised beds act as a boundary for the garden and turf was laid on the rest of the site. We wanted the gardens to be open and welcoming to members and we created a small area for our BBQ, a favourite with everyone at the social events, which are held throughout the year on the site.
The new sign was donated by the Site Representative, David Green. The raised beds were planted, and will be maintained, by committee members.
The Allotment Association at Penwortham Holme West Allotments has 70 members and has a very active committee who organise
the annual social events, including the Allotment Show held every August. Over the last few years the Association has been responsible for :
Replacing the boundary fence and gate to make the allotments more secure.
Creating a heritage orchard of apple and pear varieties native to Lancashire, on wasteland on the site that was unfit for creating plots.
Creating a daffodil and bluebell meadow, and a wildlife garden including a hedgehog house and bat boxes.
Replacing the on-site shop that was destroyed by fire.
Our current committee are Peter Van Holsbeke (Chair), Wendy Hunt (Secretary), Clare Green (Treasurer), David Green (who is also the Site Representative), Peter Rice, Dot Rice, Phil Hunt, Ian Hawkes and Arthur Walmsley.
Clare Green
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