‘Holding back the flood’

Growth Project Open Day

Despite being flooded twice in two weeks, The Growth Project’s prize-winning allotment site on Kellett Street in Rochdale opened its gates for the annual open day and for once the sun shone.

Over 50 people turned out to see how the project had been salvaged from the storm.

Only two weeks before the whole site had been six feet under water when the river Roche burst its banks, but since the volunteers had washed leaves, removed debris, and revitalised the site.

“When we saw the destruction from the floods we felt like giving up, but we decided that in true Lancashire fashion we would not be put off by a drop of water. So, we went ahead with our entry for North West in Bloom, which was judged on Tuesday, and have again opened our gates to visitors", said Karen Hayday, Hourglass Director.

“There is always something new happening on the project, this year we have built a new straw bale building for our ever expanding band of volunteers, though the floods have done a lot of damage we are confident that we can rebuild and have already been awarded a grant from Rochdale in Bloom and Rochdale Township have been very supportive.”

The project, which is a partnership between Hourglass and Rochdale and District Mind has benefitted over 80 people with mental health issues over the last 5 years. It has proved successful in helping people to build positive self-regard whilst gaining qualifications skills and confidence and improving their physical health.

In addition to providing fruits and vegetables for people involved, volunteers build fences, paths, raised beds, and willow sculptures.

The Growth Project provides a friendly but hard-working environment in which people learn new skills, as well as having an opportunity for chats, cups of tea, getting to know people and supporting each other.