Bloom team to open the gate of their allotment for charity

With only a week to go Alderley Edge in Bloom are preparing to open their allotment to the public in support of a major fundraising event.

The 26th annual Wilmslow Wells Garden's Day will take place on Saturday 30th June when 18 beautiful gardens across Wilmslow, Handforth and Alderley Edge will be open between 10.30am and 4.30pm.

For the first time they will be joined by the Alderley Edge in Bloom allotment off Chorley Hall Lane which will be open to visitors. In April, the Allotment Society gave the Bloom group the plot as part of their community involvement initiative and kindly waived fees for 18 months. Val Owen, a keen Bloomer volunteer is the allotment coordinator and in the space of a few weeks, with help from volunteers and members of the Allotment Society, the plot had been dug over and weeded and raised beds have been constructed. Additionally an old shed has been recycled and crops of potatoes, kale and other vegetables have been planted.

Leslie Cox, Chair of Alderley Edge in Bloom explained that the allotment plot has two main purposes, "Firstly the allotment should provide vegetables for the more senior members of the community. We are supporting the RVS Luncheon club with the supply of produce.

"Secondly it should contribute to our horticultural remit by providing sustainable planting for displays in the village. We look forward to welcoming visitors to our community plot and supporting the Wilmslow Wells for Africa charity. Some of our volunteers will be on hand to explain what our group is all about and we keen to recruit more volunteers to help beautify Alderley Edge."

Alderley Edge in Bloom gained a silver gilt award in last years RHS 'Britain in Bloom' competition. The judging for 2018 takes place on 24th July. The judges route around the village will be decided this week and volunteers are very active with summer planting and litter picking activities. There is now a group website with information on how to volunteer . www.alderleyedgeinbloom.co.uk

Grazyna Moore, of Wilmslow Wells, said "The passion and pride really shows in both gardens large and small as well as this year's new addition of 30 allotments on Chorley Hall Lane, along with the most amazing organic garden of Peter Woollam's in Alderley Edge - with over 250 edible plants! As more and more people are becoming more conscious about their food sources and growth in the interest of sustainability, the allotments are an important addition to this year's list of gardens."

She added "Last year was a record year, raising £15,000 on the day, a testimony to the huge numbers of people both enjoying the day and indeed supporting such a worthwhile charity."

Run by volunteers the aim of Wilmslow Wells is to improve life in drought-stricken areas of Africa, by providing wells, pumps, dams and water collection equipment. Established in the 1980's it has raised over a £1million. with 99% of everything raised going directly to the projects.

Tickets priced £12, for access to all the gardens, will be available on the day at any garden, a list of which can be found on the Wilmslow Wells website where lunches will be served.

Alternatively they can be bought in advance for £10 from: Chelsea Flowers on Chapel Lane, The Potting Shed in Alderley Edge or from Shan (01625 520193) or David (01625 5286640.

Visit the Alderley Edge in Bloom website for information on how to volunteer.

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