Yesterday, 7 October, Age UK Richmond held an allotment Open Day at Shacklegate Lane Allotments in Teddington, and the charity told Teddington Nub News that it was a "great success".

As part of Age UK Richmond's community allotment project, members can grow their own vegetables, guided by volunteers, and meet other members alike.

The allotment days in Teddington run twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays from 11am-1pm, and the Open Days are a chance for residents in the borough to get a feel for what the charity's events are like and decide whether they want to become a member.

The Open Day yesterday saw 30 new members join the charity.

Age UK Richmond's Communications & Community Fundraising Manager, Aydee Burke said: "We are grateful to Richmond Council for funding our recent open day on Age UK Richmond community allotment project in Teddington. 

"We were delighted so many new people came to see what we do."

Speaking about the how much the allotment project means to them, one regular attendee told Teddington Nub News: "It's an opportunity to get out in the fresh air and make new friendships; keep active doing light tasks and to grow their own fruit and vegetables."

 During the allotment day, attendees heard from professional cook Sandra about the benefits and bounty from growing and eating seasonally.

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Sandra taught attendees about extending the life of produce by fermenting and gave them recipe sheets so they could try these techniques at home. 

 Anyone wanting to join the group can contact Age UK Richmond's Wellbeing Services team by emailing [email protected] or calling 020 8744 1965.