Rural group praises Community Foundation funding for making ‘therapeutic’ activity more accessible

A community group has praised Northamptonshire Community Foundation (NCF) funding for making a “therapeutic” activity more accessible to a rural area.

Crick Allotment Society is the latest group to speak out in support of NCF’s rural needs appeal, as they have benefited massively from a previous grant.

Having been awarded £1,500 from the Yelvertoft Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund last year, the allotment was able to expand its existing mains water supply – making gardening more accessible to the community.

Phil Dunkley has been the secretary for Crick Allotment Society for the past year and first joined the committee four years ago.

Having had an allotment of his own for a decade, he knows firsthand the benefits it has.

Crick has 78 allotment plots and 68 members, with a waiting list of those who would love to take advantage of what is on offer.

When asked how much of a difference the allotment makes to the Crick community, Phil said: “We cater for everyone – elderly, young, disabled. People of all ages.”

NCF’s rural needs appeal emphasises the limited access residents have to facilities, and Phil reinforced how the allotment helps with that limitation.

“Having an allotment is a significant contributor to physical and mental health,” said Phil. “And your economic situation by growing your own food. It tastes better when you can pick it fresh.”

Phil described gardening on an allotment as “therapeutic”, while also enabling regular exercise and an excuse to get out in the fresh air.

Talking about the £1,500 NCF grant, Phil said: “We’re very grateful. What might seem a small grant in some people’s eyes has allowed us to provide additional water troughs.”

The water troughs were installed in April this year and they were put to good use straight away after a prolonged period without rain during April and May.

Keeping new plants going was made possible, as each member had access to a water trough within 50 yards of their plot.

They have managed to double the number of troughs with the funding and it has made water more accessible, as it is heavy to carry.

There is now less distance to walk and individuals who struggle with the “physical exertion of carrying water” can utilise and enjoy the allotment as much as everyone else.

When asked what he would like to see the money raised by the rural needs appeal spent on, Phil said: “Improve the facilities for any group that is a minority in their local population. Anything to improve facilities helps.”

The 68 allotment members is only a small proportion of residents in the village, and Phil wants to urge it is available for everyone to take advantage of.

What is Northamptonshire Community Foundation’s rural needs appeal?

As previously reported by this newspaper, NCF and its stakeholders have investigated the pressing challenges experienced by rural communities across the county.

The aim was to shed light on the issues of rural poverty, food insecurity and limited access to essential services that these residents face on a daily basis.

The hope now is that awareness can be raised to inspire action, and a dedicated funding appeal was launched to make a difference.

The summary of the report reads: “By tackling rural poverty, promoting food security, and improving access to essential services, we can contribute to a more inclusive and resilient Northamptonshire.

“Together, we can bridge the divide and empower rural communities to thrive.”

With a dedicated funding pot, which NCF hopes will reach £200,000, they want to address the urgent needs of these communities by matching the amount raised pound-for-pound.

The impactful initiatives that could be helped include greening a community, empowering young people through youth groups, and improving community hubs – such as village halls, shops and pubs.

There are many projects across the county that have already benefited from NCF tackling issues that deeply impact rural communities.

One of those is the South Northants Volunteer Bureau (SNVB), who shared how food aid is typically centralised around big towns – leaving rural areas forgotten.

Ability CIC, described as a “lifeline” by residents, also shared just how limited access to public transport can be for isolated communities.

Most recently Clubs for Young People Northamptonshire (CYPN) made the point that if it was not for charities, many young people in rural areas may not have access to clubs and social groups.

This newspaper will continue raising awareness of the challenges faced by rural communities. If your organisation would like to be involved in this coverage, email [email protected].

For more information on NCF’s rural needs appeal and to make a donation, click here.