GARDENERS at a community allotment are enjoying having a place to relax after getting a new shed.
The hut on the allotments in Newton Hall is a replacement for the smaller and very run down shed that had served as a small shop for the last 30 years, but through time has become dilapidated and is no longer fit for purpose.
Members of the Newton Hall Allotment Association had a barbecue to celebrate the official opening of the new facility, which is at their site, close to Farnham Close.
Newton Hall councillors Mamie Simmonds and Amanda Hopgood opened the shed on Sunday, when they thanked those involved in the project, including current and former committee members John and Liz Clark, John Collins, Jim Duffy, Lorraine Morris and Su Stinchcombe.
The allotments at Newton Hall, Durham
Ms Stinchcombe, who is chairwoman of the association, said: “The members are all very happy with it.
“It’s brilliant to have a general catch up area to relax in.
“This is for everyone and we can go there whenever we want.”
The shed will be used as a place for gardeners to relax and socialise and will also home a small shop, where members can buy sundry garden related items at a reduced price.
It will also be used to host talks and small presentations for members of the association, as well as regular plant and seed swaps and will also be a place for the committee to meet regularly.
A celebratory barbecue was held at the allotments on Sunday
The association was given £9,500 from Awards for All to buy the shed following an application by member Laurence Bell, with help from Barbara Williams of Durham County Council’s Area Action Partnership team .
Work is continuing on the landscaping of the land to the back of the shed.
The committee is looking for ideas from members on how they would like to it look.
Anyone wishing to rent an allotment in the Durham area should, in the first instance, contact Durham County Council's allotments team or visit the Newton Hall Allotment Association’s website at www.newtonhallallotments.co.uk.
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