Page 50 - ALG Issue 4 2018

Kingsley Park Allotment
Kingsley Park Allotment, Northampton, 23 June 2018 – the century-old allotment association has invested almost £10,000 of Big Lotto Funding in a state-of-the-art sustainable pumping system that requires zero energy and transforms people’s access to 4,000 litres of water every day. The landmark investment signifies an end of allotment owners having to carry water uphill on a 1:14 incline with a distance of around one kilometre from a local stream. Others had to rely on collecting water to irrigate their crops from roof run offs.
The allotment committee applied for
the Lottery funding in June 2017 and the project’s benefits were soon recognised by the approval body, after which they released £9,500. Encouraged by the funding, the allotment committee investigated different options and suppliers following a detailed site survey. The proposal and technology that stood out was called Papa Pump designed, developed and supplied by Water Powered Technologies in Cornwall.
The installation was carried out over three days in March 2018. Within twenty minutes of the pump being made fully operational, the furthest storage container was filling. Overnight, both of the 2,000 litre storage tanks were full, with the residue of water being returned into the original source.
Rebecca Portrey, Secretary, reviewed the first day of operation by saying “Over the years, the committee looked at various options to collect and store water, and although we are close to a housing estate, the cost associated to install mains water and/or electricity was simply out
of the question. The day we turned the pump on was truly momentous for our shareholders. To transport water that far uphill is remarkable and represents a huge transformation. Seeing is believing”.
The Big Lotto Fund was instrumental in achieving this technology advantage. Portrey continues to highlight “without the assistance from the Big Lotto Fund, this project would not have been possible. So, on behalf of all the shareholders here, we offer a sincere thank you. It means significantly more people can enjoy the health and social benefits
of allotments for longer and with even greater rewards, knowing the technology they are using is one hundred percent environmentally friendly”.
About Kingsley Park Allotment
For more information about the Kingsley Park Allotment, contact Rebecca Portrey, Secretary,
on becrolt@hotmail.com.
The Kingsley Park Allotment is based in Northampton and has been in operation since 1921. It runs close to Kenmuir Avenue and has a small natural spring on its site. The demographics of the shareholders is made up with a clear majority of people over sixty and physically disabled groups. The number of shareholders on the allotment is 180.
About Papa Pump
www.waterpoweredtechnologies.com
Water Powered Technologies Ltd are the leading designers of zero energy pumping technologies. Its zero energy products have been developed for many different users, from individual farmers to national governments and water utilities around the world. The systems require zero fossil fuels or electric power and they also
offer solutions for previously unsolvable challenges created by extreme climatic events such as flooding and drought. The technology helps companies, regions and communities reduce the cost of transporting clean water and mitigate the damaging effects of climate change.
Pictures from the Grand Opening including the Mayor of Northampton – Tony Ansell, Councillor Mike Hallam and Derval O’Brien from the National Lottery.
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