STUDLEY Allotment Association held their annual presentation last weekend, although in a different format from previous years.
With plans to hand out the silverware at the parish council’s annual dinner dashed by Covid-19, the keen gardeners stayed closer to home with a presentation at the actual allotments on Station Road.
“Allotments have long been recognised as a celebration of community, they provide both mental and physical well being in the fresh air, nurturing home grown produce and fostering trues friendship,” said parish councillor Adrian Smith, himself a keen allotment holder.
“Lockdown has generated a considerable amount of interest in allotments and of course it’s a pastime in which social distancing can be exercised while still having the benefits of social contact with fellow plot holders.”
Among the winners were Joyce and Merv Mumford from the Dunstall Allotments site on Redditch Road who have made sure the freezers of their extended family are well filled with produce.
“It’s been a really good year for growing,” said Joyce.
“Because of Covid we’ve had a lot more time down on the allotments, and it’s been fine.
“We don’t panic if we see a patch of weeds, we just work away at it a bit at a time, it makes for easy gardening.”
Coun Colin Summers, chair of the parish council who presented the trophies said: “This is one activity that people can safely do in the current crisis and it’s a real pleasure to see and hear the success stories people are having.
“It’s been a good year for growing and the parish council is pleased to support such activity.”
Studley has a thriving allotment scene extending over two sites with more than 100 plots with the benefits reaching not just the plot holders but their families, friends and neighbours to enjoy the fruits of their labours.
