2 Aug 2006 - Cadburys volunteers transform allotment site
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Armed with spades, forks and hoes a hard-working team of Cadbury Schweppes' volunteers have transformed a weed infested plot of land into an allotment site ready for green-fingered gardeners to get growing.The site on the banks of the River Colne in Mill End, Rickmansworth is to be the latest place where Three Rivers Community Gardening Project will offer courses to people interested in learning the basics of allotment gardening and finding out more about healthy eating.
But before courses could begin the land had to be cleared and prepared. In stepped a group of employees from Cadbury Schweppes in Maple Cross and completed the task in just a day.
Anna Lucuk, Human Resources Manager at Cadbury Schweppes said: "We were very happy to be involved in such an exciting venture. The day helped us work together as a team and we achieved so much in such a short time."
The 22 strong team cleared weeds, laid a weed prevention layer, built nine raised beds, erected fencing and put down bark chipping at the site owned by Toc H, a charity which offers inner city youngsters a taste of the countryside.
Cadbury Schweppes contributed £500 in materials and organised refreshments and facilities for staff.
"We all work in very different functions of the Europe, Middle East and Africa department. We share an office but don't have much contact with each other so this was a great way to get to know the people we sit alongside," said Ms Lucuk.
"Instead of paying to go to a hotel we wanted to get the benefit of being together in the fresh air and have the knowledge of creating something the community will value.
"This project fits in with the priorities of physical activity and healthy eating which we are trying to promote to our own staff."
Three Rivers Community Gardening Project was launched in South Oxhey and has already taken an overgrown allotment plot and turned it round into a space where dozens of people have had the opportunity to learn more about growing their own vegetables.
"We want to do the same for people in Mill End, Maple Cross and Rickmansworth," said Robert Bradshaw, project co-ordinator.
"Despite all the gardening and cooking programmes on television, many people still don't know how to get started with the basics. We offer them the chance to get hands-on experience without the responsibility of taking on a whole allotment.
"We are very pleased to be working with Toc H on the project in Mill End, our thanks to the team from Cadburys who did an unbelievable amount of work in a day."
Individuals, children and families are all welcome to join the free courses. There will be help, advice and some land where you can grow your first vegetables.
"All you need to bring is some time, some tools if you have them, enthusiasm and some seeds. In return you will get fresh vegetables, exercise, fresh air and a sense of achievement," said Robert.
To find out more contact Robert on 01923 711174.
The 22 strong team cleared weeds, laid a weed prevention layer, built nine raised beds, erected fencing and put down bark chipping at the site owned by Toc H, a charity which offers inner city youngsters a taste of the countryside.
Cadbury Schweppes contributed £500 in materials and organised refreshments and facilities for staff.
"We all work in very different functions of the Europe, Middle East and Africa department. We share an office but don't have much contact with each other so this was a great way to get to know the people we sit alongside," said Ms Lucuk.
"Instead of paying to go to a hotel we wanted to get the benefit of being together in the fresh air and have the knowledge of creating something the community will value.
"This project fits in with the priorities of physical activity and healthy eating which we are trying to promote to our own staff."
Three Rivers Community Gardening Project was launched in South Oxhey and has already taken an overgrown allotment plot and turned it round into a space where dozens of people have had the opportunity to learn more about growing their own vegetables.
"We want to do the same for people in Mill End, Maple Cross and Rickmansworth," said Robert Bradshaw, project co-ordinator.
"Despite all the gardening and cooking programmes on television, many people still don't know how to get started with the basics. We offer them the chance to get hands-on experience without the responsibility of taking on a whole allotment.
"We are very pleased to be working with Toc H on the project in Mill End, our thanks to the team from Cadburys who did an unbelievable amount of work in a day."
Individuals, children and families are all welcome to join the free courses. There will be help, advice and some land where you can grow your first vegetables.
"All you need to bring is some time, some tools if you have them, enthusiasm and some seeds. In return you will get fresh vegetables, exercise, fresh air and a sense of achievement," said Robert.
To find out more contact Robert on 01923 711174.