Community allotment wins Mayor’s seal of approval

16th May 2019

Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham underlined his green credentials this week by officially opening a health community allotment in Stockport.

The allotment project in Woodley first took roots about two years ago when local couple, David and Julie Ashton, were helped through their own medical problems by their GP’s Health Champions.

They were so impressed at what the Alvanley Family Practice Health Champions were doing that they decided that wanted to give something back.

As keen gardeners they wanted to use the skills and experience they had, and with the backing of their fellow champions, they hit on the idea of a community allotment and so the project began.

Stockport Council pitched in by giving them, for free, a much neglected allotment plot and local building firm George Cox helped by getting their apprentices to clear the site and construct pathways and raised borders ready for planting.

Since then scores of local helpers have joined David and Julie planting and tending for the vegetables they’ll grow for regular cooking sessions down at the allotment.

Said David “It’s a great space for local people to use and is adding to the real sense of community that we already have in Woodley thanks to the Health Champions and our practice. However you don’t have to be a patient of the Alvanley Family Practice to come here – everyone is welcome.”

Officially opening the allotment Andy Burnham said “The Alvanley Family Practice with their Health Champions are showing us the future of primary care.

“We love the NHS but for it to survive in the future it needs to provide more than medication and projects like this community allotment show just what can be achieved.”

Alvanley Family Practice’s Dr Mark Gallagher said “Today is not about the practice but rather about our amazing community. We have nothing but pride and admiration for our wonderful volunteers who, by freely giving their time and dedication, are creating something for everyone to be a part of.”

Plans for the allotment include a multi-purpose large shed, with plumbed in facilities, which will be used for a variety of Champion run community activities. This is being funded by a £10,000 grant from Stockport Council’s Local Fund.