What comes to mind when you think about a community asset, asks Sue Reece. Is it a building, a service or a group of people who enrich the lives of others? How many of us think about our local allotments and the value they bring to the health and wellbeing of Chilton residents, along with creating a sustainable food source and improving wildlife corridors?
Allotments have their origins in the late Anglo-Saxon period when fields belonging to villages or manors would be divided into thin strips for individuals or families to grow much needed crops. There was of course an increase in popularity during the food shortages of the First and Second World Wars with the famous “Dig for Victory” campaign; and after a slight decline in popularity, there was again a resurgence with TV programmes such as The Good Life, following the trials and tribulations of Tom and Barbara, under the watchful eye of the wonderful, but rather judgemental, Margo.
Today the benefits of allotments are well researched, bringing a sense of pride and social cohesion to a community, encouraging collective engagement to reduce anti-social behaviour and a common tool in GP social prescribing to use physical and nature-based activities to connect people, improve mental health and physical wellbeing. Chilton’s allotments host a thriving community of eager growers, proudly tending their plots, sharing tips and comparing produce.
Allotment holders like Kevin Tracey, who has three plots and has been growing vegetables for 55 years, and his near neighbour Pam Herbert (Chilton Show 2024 prize winning vegetables) are always available to give support and advice to newer occupants. Kevin, along with three other residents, also supports the Community Allotment, with a small grant from the Wellbeing for Life team which paid for a polytunnel and seeds, plus a rent waiver from the Town Council. They grow a range of fruit and vegetables to give away free to local residents, promoting healthy eating and affordable meals.
Chilton currently has 220 plots across five sites, and we still have a few available to rent, so if you have lived in Chilton for at least six months, are over 18 and interested in becoming part of a thriving allotment community, further information on the application process is available online on the town council website by visiting the Allotments section at chiltondurham-tc.gov.uk. Alternatively, call into Hutton House and the council will be glad to help.
As the National Allotment Society states: “Not only are allotments a valuable part of our UK heritage, but they play an important part in our future too”.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
