Our allotments are looking the best they have been for a long time – mainly thanks to the growing number of corporate groups who have been in to help.
Fear not, we still have plenty of days or half days available for local businesses to get involved.
Volunteer Barry who looks after the Launchpad site at Woodley Allotments said: “The gang of three (myself, Theresa and Andy) don’t think we’ve ever seen the Launchpad site looking so good and healthy.
“Needless to say, we’re fairly proud of the achievements that are being made.”
Once harvested, the produce is used by clients at 135, our work and life skills centre, and donated to Readifood, the local food bank.
So far the corporate groups have weeded, moved a lot of manure, shovelled barrel loads of wood chip, sieved serious amounts of soil and completed plenty of other jobs without complaints.
The harvest to look forward to comprises potatoes, rhubarb, raspberries, gooseberries, broad beans, runner beans, French beans, courgettes, squash, beetroot, onions, carrots, tomatoes, lettuces, cucumbers, and chilli’s!
Barry added: “The standard of corporates we are getting is absolutely fantastic; they all work hard and never moan about the tasks we give them.
“So far this year, with the corporates help, we have built a fruit cage, greenhouse (minus glass/perspex), numerous raised beds and a garden shed.
“We also have a dedicated team of waterers that give up their time to help so I’d like to thank them too.”
Local companies taking part so far this year are Thames Water, Practicus, Oracle, VISA, Johnson Matthey, Nexus Planning and HP Enterprise.
A spokesperson for Practicus said: “We had a fantastic time. Thoroughly enjoyable graft in good company while doing something good. A truly wholesome experience! We will hopefully be back soon.”
If you are interested in supporting our work at the allotment, please contact Kirsti Wilson, Head of Marketing and Fundraising, by emailing kirsti.wilson@launchpadreading.org.uk
