Last Saturday Cllr Paulette Hamilton and I went along to the Uplands Allotment to present the Pride in Handsworth Award that they won back in May. The Uplands allotment is one of the biggest allotments in Europe. I was blown away with the passion that people have for it and the hours that people spend on their plots. This isn’t just a hobby for some of the allotment holders but a way of life.
Brian featured in the photo below has 3 plots and proudly talked about the three generations of his family that have used the plots, his son now being the youngest.
Cllr Paulette Hamilton & allotment holder Brian
We were met at the allotment by Dorothy Wallace one of the committee members who gave us a great tour of the site and ensured we left with a big bag each of fresh produce. The allotment has a small shop in the clubhouse which sells produce & seeds on a saturday.
Cllr Hamilton & Dorothy Wallace in the Uplands Shop
Allotments did decline for some years accross the country but there now seems to be a new energy for growing your own produce. For more information about the benefits of allotments visit the FoodVison Website Every plot at the Uplands is taken and covers a vast site in the corner of Handsworth. This interest has spread accross Handsworth where residents have fought for several years to get the Jubliee Allotments open and ready for use. Nick Booths “How they Influence me ” short film highlights the residents campaign featuring allotment campaigner Simon Badderley.
Walking round the allotments you meet some quite amazing people all so passionate about their allotment. I was quite amazed at the size of some of the plots and quite envious about the fabulous range of produce…really gets your taste buds going. Barington Osbourne world famous chef is just one of the allotment holders that your likely to bump in to down there. It is a real education I love gardening and cooking but I struggled to know what osme of the crops were all looks alot different in the ground.
Later on in our tour we met Neville the chair of the Uplands Allotment Commitee who accpeted the Pride in Handsworth award presented by Cllr Paulette Hamilton.
Cllr Hamilton was delighted to present the Uplands with this award and congratulated them on their hard work.
Upland Allotment annual Garden Show is due to be held on 11th Sept great chance to go along have some food, check out the plants and take in the wonderful vibes.
Hey,
I was wondering if you could possibly help me. I work for a charity called SOVA. SOVA is a leading national volunteer mentoring organization working with those socially and economically disadvantaged in England and Wales. I work as a Mentoring Support Officer and I would like to know if you have any volunteering roles available with Uplands Allotments. I have tried to contact the direct number; however I am having difficulty speaking to some one. You can contact me on 0781 1357 385.
Kind Regards
Imran Rasool. ( MSO )
The Uplands Allotment are owned by Birmingham City Council but there is a commitee of local people involved probably best to go along there on a Saturday morning to contact someone.