MEMBERS of the Melksham Women’s English for Students of Other Languages (ESOL) group are appealing for help with their community allotment project.
At the beginning of the year the group took over the maintenance of a local allotment in memory of Melksham resident, Chris Gaine, who died last year.
They have been busy preparing the plot for planting next summer – but there is still more work to be done and the group is looking for more volunteers for the ‘Chris Gaine Community Allotment’ project.
From the group, Joan Phelan says, “On behalf of the Melksham Women’s ESOL group, which is organised by volunteers in the West Wilts Multi Faith Forum, I am renting the allotment previously cultivated by Chris Gaine.
“Prior to his retirement, Chris was professor of applied social policy at the University of Chichester and was very involved in promoting race equality in schools. I hope this allotment will be a fitting memorial to him and will encourage Melksham residents of all races and nationalities to work together, in the open air, to produce healthy food.
“But I need some more help. In the period after his death, the allotment – next but one from the Forest Community Centre – became overgrown and there is still more work to be done to clear the allotment ready for the summer.
“If you can help please contact me on 01225 708021 or by email: phelanjoan@aol.com.
“And of course everyone is welcome to become one of the permanent gardeners, with tasks appropriate to their physical fitness.”
