Labour of love sees opening of garden

A group of dedicated volunteers were delighted to see the unveiling of Lytham Hall's kitchen garden after months of hard work.
Sue Lowe, volunteer coordinator at Lytham Hall, and Emma Barrett, manager of the Lytham branch of Tesco Express,  with celebratory cake at the official opening of the Hall's kitchen gardenSue Lowe, volunteer coordinator at Lytham Hall, and Emma Barrett, manager of the Lytham branch of Tesco Express,  with celebratory cake at the official opening of the Hall's kitchen garden
Sue Lowe, volunteer coordinator at Lytham Hall, and Emma Barrett, manager of the Lytham branch of Tesco Express, with celebratory cake at the official opening of the Hall's kitchen garden

The splendid garden, which was developed thanks to a £10,000 grant from Tesco’s Bags of Help fund, was officially opened on Tuesday, May 9.

The project was set up next to the apiary following a successful bid by Lytham Hall project manager Simon Thorpe to the supermarket’s fund.

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The plan featured 18 raised beds, space for soft fruit, herbs and potatoes, plus composting areas, cycle parking and five disabled car parking spaces.

Sue Lowe, volunteer coordinator at Lytham Hall, said: “Our dedicated team of grounds volunteers have laboured over the winter months, often in inclement weather, to construct the beds, fences and paving.

“It demonstrated what can be achieved by a small band of determined volunteers.”

They created disabled car parking places and got to grapple with the root-bound soil.

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Local businesses were contacted to support the scheme, and generous offers followed from Barton Grange garden centre, Robinson Seeds, Mahoneys, Sloggett Plumbing and Grantham Signs.

The kitchen garden was officially opened by Emma Barrett, Tesco store manager, who said she was very pleased to see the plastic bag money being put to such good use.

A special appearance was made by Emily Clifton, a descendant of the Clifton family who once called Lytham Hall their home.

She kindly took time out of her work schedule down south to join the festivities.

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The guests wandered through the garden and appreciated the results of so much ongoing labour.

We look forward to seeing the kitchen garden develop over the summer and using the produce in our tea room.

If you are interested in getting involved with the kitchen garden team, contact the estate office on (01253) 736652.