Mayor of Knaresborough Opens The Manor House Allotment

Residents at The Manor House Knaresborough are enjoying the benefits of vegetable gardening again at their newly developed allotment.

The allotment on Stockwell Road is part of KASHS – Knaresborough Allotments Self Help Scheme.

It was opened officially by the Mayor of Knaresborough, Councillor Phil Ireland on Wednesday 26 September and the Town Crier Roger Hewitt.

Work over the last few months has made the allotment fully accessible. There are two large raised beds, a shed, paved paths and a patio.

Joanne Meredith, lifestyle coordinator at The Manor House, is the driving force behind the allotment as an activity residents can choose to visit or be involved all year round.

Joanne said: “The allotment was only completed a few weeks ago but we were able to go in a bit earlier to plant up some late summer vegetables. We’ve already picked the first crop of radishes which our chef Tom used as part of the garnish for sandwiches on the same day.

“Residents are loving coming here to garden and chat with the other allotment holders. We supply gloves, but most people have said they want to get their hands dirty again!”

Contractor Walter Thompson, Pullan Landscape Construction & Maintenance and Hadrian Healthcare’s maintenance team, coordinated by Karen Brimble from Hadrian Healthcare’s operations team, delivered the project. Both Walter Thompson and Pullan supplied their services free of charge.

Paula Caliskan, manager of The Manor House said: “We have so many people to thank for helping to develop the allotment, and we’d like to thank KASHS and our new neighbour allotment holders too for their patience as the works were taking place.”

The Mayor of Knaresborough, Councillor Phil Ireland commented: ‘’I was delighted to formally open the new allotment which is clearly a great asset for the residents to enjoy, with the added benefit of supplying a sustainable source of fresh vegetables for Chef Tom to use. It is great to see, once again, local businesses giving freely of their time and expertise to deliver this project, which is testament to the fantastic community spirit we enjoy in our wonderful town.’’

Walter Thompson has built a number of Manor House care homes for Hadrian Healthcare Group and is currently building the new Manor House in Harrogate. They have contributed to the works on the allotment by clearing the site, building the raised beds, laying paving and installing the shed as part of their commitment to the Considerate Constructors’ Scheme.

Paul Hammerton, managing director of Walter Thompson said: “We are delighted to be able to offer our assistance in helping create this fantastic new allotment for the residents of The Manor House Knaresborough and look forward to seeing the vegetables that have been produced.”

Pullan Landscape Construction & Maintenance, who also look after The Manor House garden, supplied expertise, top soil, two fruit trees and plants.

Neil Copley, managing director of Pullan said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to be able to help with the allotment project and we are only too happy to offer our continued support in the future.”

KASHS was established over 100 years ago and there over 80 members in total on allotments at the Stockwell Road and Hawthorn Avenue sites.

Geoff Freeston, chair of KASHS said: “We are delighted to have The Manor House as part of our allotment community. Several of our members have offered to help as volunteers and we are looking forward to getting to know some of the residents."