Churchfield locals dig in for Harvest festival

The Churchfield Allotments Committee recently held their first Harvest Festival in a few years on site at the allotments.

Members of the public were afforded the opportunity to walk around the plots and polytunnel and chat with the plotholders. They were also given growing tips, while there were some seeds and seedlings that were grown by plotholders also available on the day.

Larry Murphy, chairperson of Churchfield Allotments Committee, said it was a very successful day. 

“We hadn’t held one in a few years due to Covid. It was a very successful day. We had people of all ages coming and going all day which was great to see. It was held on the allotments which are just below the Gerry O’Sullivan Park. We had a huge seed swap from all the other allotment holders on the day,” he said.

“The event was held to enable the local people to come in and see what was going on there,” added the chairperson. 

“The main aim of the day was to get as many people as possible who have allotments to meet because we never meet all together. 

"Even at the AGMs, you would have 10 or 15 missing due to other commitments.” 

The allotments were established in 2011 and there are now 47 allotments in total situated at the site. Mr Murphy said there are many benefits to keeping allotments. 

“Allotments are great for people. It is a great hobby and very healthy. You know what you are eating when you grow your own food. A lot of the people who have allotments would be people in the upper age group. 

"We have a few younger people who are involved as well, and they are embracing what the older people are doing.

“The main produce grown would include the basics, turnips, carrots, runner beans, cabbage, beetroot, and strawberries. A lot of fruit bushes are grown there. We also have people of all nationalities who are growing different produce from their native countries. We all share and there is great co-operation between the people who own allotments,” he added.

“It is a fantastic facility to have our on our doorsteps,” added the chairperson. 

“City Hall inspect on an annual basis and any allotments that are not being worked on are sent letters ascertaining if they want to hold their space as there is a lengthy waiting list.”