Green thumbs wanted for Incredible Edible Toad Lane allotments

Green thumbs at the ready; anyone and everyone is invited to pitch in at the Incredible Edible Toad Lane allotments.

The ten planters dotted along the cobbled stretch are being used for growing seasonal fruit and vegetables as part of the co-operative pantry shop at the Toad Lane store, a member-owned scheme which provides food at affordable prices.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/125007/pioneer-pantry-launched-for-impoverished-residents

Once a year, members vote on how any profits are spent: in the last vote, the members decided to use the money to grow vegetables and herbs which they will plant, care for and eventually reap the benefits of.

The Toad Lane allotments are associated with the Incredible Edible network whose vision is to create ‘kind, confident and connected communities through the power of food.’

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/126503/community-allotment-plans-come-to-fruition

Community Engagement Officer Cat Jessop said: “By having this open membership, uniting people voluntarily, to own and take part in the decision-making process to meet the common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations we are reigniting the co-operative spirit of Rochdale.

“After all, the pioneers did too set to acquire land and start producing their own produce, something we are doing again today.

“With thanks to Rochdale Council providing the planters on Toad Lane, the support of Incredible Edible North West, Petrus PIER garden and kind hearted social media followers of the museum, we’ve been able to start growing vegetables such as radishes, peas and lettuces as well as herbs such as mint, coriander and basil and more.

“The gardening brings together all who wish to help out and those who use the service, connecting and caring for communities; you don't need language and words to grow vegetables, as Incredible Edible put it, 'if you eat, you're in!'.”

Being the birthplace of the Co-operative Movement, members of the Rochdale Pioneers Museum are trying to create co-operative initiatives led by participants taking part in community programmes, providing an opportunity for all to come together and work towards improving their lives and locality.

Anyone can join the Incredible Edible Toad Lane allotments, the more the merrier, so please contact Cat Jessop:

• cat@co-op.ac.uk or 01706 524 920 / 07419 311 445

The next monthly meeting will be on Tuesday 21 May, between 10am - 12pm.