ALLOTMENTS BLOOM ALL YEAR ROUND WITH HELP FROM MANX LOTTERY TRUST

Green-fingered enthusiasts at Laxey and Lonan Allotments have received a boost, thanks to the Manx Lottery Trust.

It has part funded the purchase of a new community shed which is used on a daily basis by allotment members.

Formed in 2009, the Laxey and Lonan Allotments Association (LALAA) was in need of a replacement shed with a dry storage area to hold communal equipment and gardening tools belonging to individual members.

There are currently 21 plot holders on the site, many of whom bring their families along to get involved, whether it be through growing crops – a mixture of vegetables, fruit trees and flowers – or sharing tips on gardening styles and techniques.

Tanya Anderson, Secretary of LALAA said: ‘On behalf of all the plot holders, a sincere thank you to the Manx Lottery Trust for supporting us. Although we were saving towards a replacement shed, it fell into disrepair quicker than expected.

‘It’s vital to have a base where tools such as lawnmowers, strimmers and wheelbarrows can be stored, and this space gives us just that. It will also help us keep pathways tidy, manage the periphery of the field and help new allotment holders get started on fallow land as part of our project to create a wildflower meadow.’

Sarah Kelly, Chairman of Manx Lottery Trust, added: ‘Facilities like this make an important contribution to the community and it’s great to see such a hive of activity at the allotment. There’s some wonderful creations down there and it’s so encouraging to see its popularity increase and the facility used by all ages.’

For anyone interested in finding out more, further details can be found by e-mailing: [email protected] or through the Laxey and Lonan Allotment Facebook page.