A-Lot-‘o’-Men Needed for Green-Fingered Project
News release
16th August 2013
Men in Lincoln are being invited to take part in a new allotment project set up by four local charities to encourage them to meet new people.
Age UK Lincoln started the A-Lot-‘o’-Men project in March, in partnership with Lincoln Contact Club, the Lincoln and Lindsey Blind Society and the Lincoln Association of People with Disabilities, and have leased a plot at the Boultham Glebe Allotments in Lincoln.
Helena Burt, Age UK Lincoln’s Park Street activity centre Deputy Manager, said: “This project gives men in Lincoln a fantastic opportunity to take part in something social, challenging and rewarding through which they can make new friends and learn new skills.
“It’s often a little harder to get men involved in certain activities, so we thought this was the ideal way to include those who maybe don’t want to join other classes or clubs that we offer.
“Age UK Lincoln is asking men over 50 to come and join the fun. You don’t need to have any technical skills or be particularly green-fingered; it’s a great opportunity to learn. Likewise, experienced gardeners are also more than welcome.”
The group currently meets every Thursday and Friday to put the finishing touches to the site. They are now looking to the public for donations of plants, seeds and sleepers or scaffold boards.
A central ‘hub’ has recently been put in place on site, donated by Lindum Group, which will be used as a meeting place and learning centre. A safety shed and a new polytunnel have also been delivered, while the land has been rotavated and hardstanding laid to provide easier access.
“If we eventually are successful in growing some vegetables,” said Helena, “they will be shared between the four charities. Age UK Lincoln’s share will be used in the Park Street restaurant, which will bring the benefit of fresh, healthy food to all of our customers.”
If you are interested in taking part in this project, or simply want to learn more, contact Helena on 01522 561508 or at helena.burt@ageuklincoln.org.uk.
Ends
Notes to editors:
• Age UK Lincoln is an independent charity which is part of the national Age UK network. Registered charity number 1078539.
• This year Age UK Lincoln celebrated its 55th anniversary on 7th June 2013.
• Age UK Lincoln’s aim is to enable older people to lead full and active lives and stay safe and independent within their homes.
• The activity centre on Park Street, Lincoln is free to attend for people over 50 and doesn’t require membership. It offers activities such as language or art classes, dancing, computer skills, friendship clubs and more.
• The activity centre also offers free information and advice on issues such as finance, benefits, housing options and personal budgets.
• More information can be found at www.ageuk.org.uk/lincoln/
Cesca Bickley
Shooting Star PR
01522 528540
cesca@shootingstar-pr.co.uk
www.shootingstar-pr.co.uk
t: @cescabick
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