Sheffield allotment named top of the crops at awards ceremony

The two-plot allotment at Ouse Road, Darnall, which is run by people involved with the Drink Wise, Age Well in Sheffield scheme, has been awarded the Bryars Cup. The accolade. which is sponsored by Ferndale Garden Centre in Dronfield, is given annually to the best allotment society, or community allotment plot in the city. Drink Wise, Age Well Resilience Team Leader, Andy Whitehouse, said: 'We run a lot of activities in Sheffield to give older adults a renewed sense of purpose and the Darnall allotment is a great example of that. 'It started small with us clearing away weeds and rubbish, and grew over time with the addition of polytunnels, sheds, raised bedswood lattices and a composting toilet, with each new wave of recruits. 'We now feel there is a way for anyone to get involved, or simply enjoy sharing the space if they want to. One of our workers and a volunteer have helped some of the older people at the Ouse Road site to mend fences, gates and huts. 'This built relationships and friendships and now many people feel a sense of ownership over the work we are doing together.' There are now a dozen people working on the allotment on a regular basis, with many more taking part in arts and craft activities or dropping in for a cup of tea and a chat. Drink Wise, Age Well is a National Lottery funded programme that helps people aged over fifty to make healthier choices about alcohol as they age. For more information, visit www.drinkwiseagewell.org.uk. If you would like to find out more about social activities for the over fifties, including a new allotment project at Moss Way allotments, call 0800 032 3723.