Project 63.

Project 63 I hear you murmer. Sounds like Roswell, an alien invasion perhaps, or some scientific experiment that takes place behind closed doors. Well neither of these in this case.

Essex Youth Build rather reluctantly had to give up their allotment on site, plot 63. All rather sudden, and at a point of the year where planting, sewing etc pretty crucial to make the most of any plot.

The Melbourne Park Allotment Association committee quickly got together to assess whether it was practical for us to take on this plot from the council as a project. An outline idea was hatched and presented and with broad agreement, the council were approached with a view to the Association taking the plot on board. To accommodate this a charitable donation was made to Essex Youth Build, and within the space of 48 hours this week, and with everyone broadly supporting the basic principals established, project 63 was christened.



The basic tenets of the project set out to ensure that:

- all the hard work, energy and effort put into the plot by Essex Youth Build would not be wasted and the plot not slip into disrepair whilst in pursuit of new tenants

- that as the majority of existing plot holders grew sufficient product to meet their needs, that the majority of produce cultivated would be donated to charitable causes

- to encourage plot and association members to perhaps experiment with fruit and vegetables that ordinarily would be shied away from or not considered to grow or cultivate

- that with sufficient imagination and support the project may further strengthen the sense of community that exists on the Site.

The project set off in earnest on Easter Friday, and it is planned to pen a blog or diary on the web site charting the progress and activity of the project.

Please check back in regularly for further updates. For further information in terms of the aims and ambitions, or general news in relation to this development, please contact Ray or Karen. Equally if you would like to get involved, again please contact the above.

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