The moment I heard about the wonderful aims of the Community Roots project being pioneered by the innovative Ideal Collection and Southampton Voluntary Services, I was hooked.
As an allotment devotee myself, I can bore for England on the benefits of growing our own.
As well as the food on your plate, an allotment is great for your mental and physical health (they don’t call it the green gym for nothing) – and it can provide a greater appreciation of where your food comes from.
In essence there is nothing more satisfying then seeing a seed you planted grow into a whopping great big parsnip or the bliss you feel tucking into a plate of freshly steamed asparagus, smothered in melted butter and harvested straight from your own plot.
So when the call came through to join Matthew Boyle and the Ideal Collection Team at the White Star Tavern to hear more about what their growing project could become, I didn’t take too much persuading.
And I wasn’t disappointed ... It was an extremely convivial evening.
Great food, a trip down memory lane thanks to former Southampton City Council leader, Councillor Royston Smith (I can’t tell you how many hours of my life were spent listening to Royston and his political chums gathered in the council chamber when I was the Echo’s political hack) – and a chance to find out more about the project. What’s not to like?
Community Roots is a therapeutic horticultural scheme that helps disadvantaged, marginalised and vulnerable people to change their lives.
Working together to grow fresh produce on a plot in a secluded city centre allotment, those taking part will learn new skills and be able to access training, education and employment through an innovative programme of supported volunteering, training and work opportunities.
Matthew Boyle explained the Ideal Foundation wanted to get involved because they see the scheme can help reduce feelings of isolation by nurturing friendships and improving confidence and communication skills.
The vision is for people tending the plot to learn about growing and preparing food - and future off-shoots could see vulnerable people blossom to the point where they can work in the catering industry.
I for one think it is a fab idea – and I will be helping to promote it with my Business Southampton hat on and I hope other businesses will also give their support to this wonderful project.
