Chance to taste the good life for lucky families

It’s the second time Stafford Borough Council has run the competition and local families are being urged not to miss out when applications open this week.

The winners get a plot for the 2012 growing season, plants, seeds and equipment, and will be supported by an expert to make sure their garden grows.

The four plots in the Coton Fields area have been set aside for use by the community for the ‘Family Grow’ project between March and November this year. The initiative was so popular that three of the previous winning families have now taken on their own plots.

The council teamed up with the Stafford District Community and Learning Partnership to roll out the project which is as a chance for families to cut food bills and improve diets, as well as learning new skills. Work is currently going on to bring the plots up to scratch for the growing season.

Debbie Garcia, who with her husband, Robin, and young son Harvey won a plot last year, said they estimated the family had saved around £20 from their weekly shopping bill by growing their own.

She added: “It is great to get out of the house. We are only eating vegetables from the allotment and don't buy any from the supermarket now, and only eating what's in season. And the best bit is watching Harvey get excited about turnips!”

Anyone interested should fill in an application form and the four who provide the best reason for wanting to have an allotment will be selected by a panel of judges. The forms will be available from 1 February via the latest information link at www.staffordbc.gov.uk, at the Civic Centre, Riverside, Stafford, by emailing aknight@staffordbc.gov.uk or on 01785 619387. Closing date for applications is Friday 24 February.

A special information day is being held at the allotment site on Saturday 18 February. The winning families will be supported throughout the project by last year’s mentor and fellow allotment holder, Derek Hill.

Councillor Frank Finlay, cabinet member for environment and health, said: “Just hearing how families have enjoyed spending quality time together on the allotments demonstrates what an excellent project this is.

“It has so many benefits for a healthier lifestyle and in the current financial climate the chance to get free food is one not to be missed.”

The ‘Good Life’ was a popular 1970s television comedy series and featured a couple trying to create a sustainable, self-sufficient life style and turning their garden in to an allotment where they grow their own fruit and vegetables.

The information day on 18 February takes place at the Community Building on the allotment site – between the town’s Prospect Road and Corporation Street – from 10am to 1pm. For more details on the ‘open’ day or the allotment scheme contact Amanda Knight, at aknight@staffordbc.gov.uk or on 01785 619555.

Press Release No 4438