September 2019
After a busy summer the Taking Root team were re-energised and ready to go in September focusing on what we do best … eating and thinking about food!
Christine continued her gleaning training with Feedback UK and supplied the network with bags of fresh kale, from a farm in Lancashire, that would otherwise have been wasted. She is now able to lead our Taking Root gleans, which is something we want to do more off in the future, so as many people as possible have access to fresh veg, and also to play our part in minimising the negative climate change effects of food waste.
In September community gardeners from North Park, South Park and St Leonard’s came together for our first Bootle forage for food that is already growing in our public spaces. Our haul of apples, blackberries, pears and even figs will be used in our exciting new event taking place in October. Thanks to a grant from Living Well Sefton, the ‘Eat, Chop, Chat’ food event will take place on 23rd October at St Leonard’s from 11am-3pm using food that we have grown, foraged and gleaned to provide a community lunch for up to 50 local people. This event will be the first of many cook and eat sessions, bringing different people together from Bootle to prepare and enjoy a meal and lots of conversation!
September has also been an exciting month for our Taking Root network members. The Gateway Collective and Ykids hosted the ‘Awesome Autumn’ community fun day in North Park Community Garden, attended by more than 90 children and parents who enjoyed an afternoon of food and activities – the courgette chocolate cake was a particular success!
The Feelgood Factory in Netherton hosted their first-ever produce show building on the history of the area where this event used to be the highlight of the local community’s year. Entries were encouraged in the categories of best jam, chutney, cake, and best veg. Those who attended enjoyed tea, homemade cake and tours of Netherton Community Garden in the sun. Susan from the Feelgood Factory said: “The day was a total success with a real old-fashioned community atmosphere. We love bringing back this tradition to Netherton and encouraging local people to show off their amazing produce.”
