Northfields Allotments to Hold Seventh Annual Summer Open Day |
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Plot holders of London's oldest such site inviting visitors
There will be a chance to visit London’s oldest allotment site when plotholders at Northfields Allotments will open the gates for their seventh annual Summer Open Day. It is being held on Sunday 2 July on Northfield Avenue, West Ealing between 1pm and 5pm. The Northfield site holds Cultivating Ealing’s awards for the Best Large Allotment Site in the borough, and the borough’s Best Half Plot. During the summer of 2022 it was also designated “Outstanding” by London in Bloom, whose judge commented of the site, “It really is a community resource in every aspect.” The allotments date from 1832, when the Bishop of London enclosed the site for use as allotments by the local community. It comprises 173 allotments on the eastern side. The site is fully rented and has a waiting list of 350 people. Visitors will be able to see the wide variety of plots and check out what is growing, as well as finding out about the site’s wildlife and history. There will be a refreshment stall selling tea, coffee and cakes, a plant and produce stall, a BBQ and a bar where visitors can enjoy a drink. Other attractions include: an apiary, a World War II Anderson shelter; and a wildlife-friendly shed made from recycled materials. Entry is free , although donations will be welcome. Visitors should come to the main allotment gates at the northern end of Northfield Avenue in West Ealing (opposite Dean Court). Dogs are welcome if kept on a lead.
Penny Wark, Chair of the Allotments’ Committee, said: “The plots will be looking at their best as we reach peak growing season. We’re proud of our site and we enjoy sharing it with the local community. “We’re grateful for the support the local community has given us over the years. It’s great to have a summer celebration and our plotholders are delighted to welcome visitors once again to this historic site.” The site is held in trust by the housing charity Pathways and managed by the Ealing Dean Allotment Society (EDAS), which consists of allotment tenants.
June 21, 2023
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