Well we are going to take this rather derelict allotment and over 2011 we are going to transform it into a very fine community resource!
Who exactly are we?
Well, we are Fran, the keeper of this blog, who has an interest in organic gardening and vegetable production and I will be providing hands-on help and ideas about strategic direction. There are various individuals from Age Concern, Dorchester who will be driving the project and its day to day running. These include, notably, Robert Christian, an Age Concern Trustee and an enthusiastic and very active participant in that organisation. In addition, John Yonwin, also from Age Concern where he is responsible for the 'Fit as a Fiddle' project, will be playing a key role. Others who are involved include Di Lawrence, the Age Concern Chief Officer, and Anna Biley, the Development Officer. There will be more participants, I'll give you their details as they become more involved. Lastly, but not leastly of course, there will be Annabel Sampson, the UnLtd Engage Local Co-ordinator, and the wider UnLtd network, who will be giving invaluable advice and support in relation to the project.
Of course we don't plan to do all the work ourselves, that would be defeating the object the project. Instead, we are going to encourage volunteers, primarily men, who will probably be in later life, and are perhaps retired, and who may have a wish to become more involved in community life, to help us out and to become involved. Why older men? Well, when men retire, or move house/town, there is the chance that they lose contact with friends and acquaintances. They may not have the opportunity to engage in allotment activities (have you seen the waiting lists?). They may benefit from light exercise as part of recovery from any one of a range of illnesses. We hope that this project will give the opportunity to these men to meet up with others and engage in meaningful, productive 'man-type' activity, and of course, have that all important cup of tea with others. That's what we are going to try to do. I' really be interested in what you think about all this. Please leave comments!
Hi Fran,
ReplyDeleteNow I visited. Looks like royal good stuff!
bear
Cracking Idea Fran
ReplyDeleteIf I was living near you would certainly be a volunteer
Probably as a learner gardener as what I know about gardening is the bare minimal confined with a certain laziness! (which would have been corrected by group dynamics)
Satish
Fran:
ReplyDeleteLove the idea and especially about involving older men. What a neat concept. Gardening provides a healthy lifestyle with regards to eating healthy foods (veggies, fruits, etc.) and physical activity. A two for one project. It also provides an emotional tie which allows the mind to feel satisfied with their results. Wish I was into gardening but I have never done it. I look forward to reading your blog. Harriet
I really 'dig' it. Considering that men have the propensity to have cardiac events soon after retirement, this is an important step in the right direction. They shouldn't be going to more doctor/medic visits. Here they can 'dig for health'. Wonderful Fran!
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great idea. Only yesterday I was thinking how many old people are so socially excluded.I was in Morrison's cafe and the amount of single elderly eating alone is shocking. They must feel very isolated in a public place and very lonely. A project like this is great as it's promoting physical fitness for the older generation as well as giving them a sense of belonging to a worth while group thus giving back some of their self esteem. Also, really importantly, it allows them to be social and makes them feel wanted and needed. Everyone deserves this but sadly the elderly seem to miss out and others forget about them. This is a good project for that reason in itself as well as all the other benefits it will give.
ReplyDeleteThis would have been a saving grace for my father-in-law, this and a chance to bake pies afterwards...great job Fran, always the thinking innovator
ReplyDeleteTara: perhaps we'll get bees as well? (actually I dont think we are allowed)
ReplyDeleteWonderful, Doc!!! It's A Very Noble Idea!!!
ReplyDeleteTotally Liked It!!!
...Amuline13
What a great idea Fran.
ReplyDeleteKaty
I think this is a great idea Fran and particularly beneficial if you can keep it as a men's project. There is so little on offer that appeals to men that it can be very difficult to find a positive male group dynamic.
ReplyDeleteThanks everybody for your comments! Appreciate it.
ReplyDelete