GARDENERS who have restricted mobility have been handed a boost by a local allotment group. Cullen Community Allotment Association (CCAA) have unveiled a series of box beds in order to provide an opportunity for people who are perhaps not as spry as once they were to take part in the enjoyable and rewarding hobby of vegetable growing. The beds, which are 2.4 metres long, one metre wide and just over half a metre high are being funded by the Co-op local community fund and are the latest project undertaken by allotment volunteers to make the site more accessible. Margaret Baird was one of the first people to make use of the beds. “This is a fabulous addition for people who have slightly less mobility and would be unable to take on an ordinary plot,” she said. “At the moment I’m sowing radishes, garlic, beetroot, onions, lettuces and a number of other vegetables that will provide a good few salads in the summer. “The boxes are sturdy, an ideal height and come with soil all ready to start planting. You can sit on the edge and reach across and they’re just perfect for holding your coffee cup. ” CCAA chairman Bruce Edelsten added: “Creating the raised box beds with fellow plotters has been a great way of learning new skills and getting to know them better while also creating something functional which we believe will be an asset to the allotment association and the community of Cullen.
“We are a friendly and supportive group and look forward to welcoming anyone who would like to make use of this new facility.” A year’s gardening with a raised bed costs just £20 and anyone interested should contact Charlie Shand, the CCAA secretary, at cshand@talktalk.net More information on the group is available on their website at www. edelsten.org.uk