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Youngsters on a Stoke estate cooked up a storm when they joined forces to entertain the Lord Mayor.
Young people in Abbey Hulton prepared a meal for Jean Edwards, Lord Mayor of Stoke on Trent, and her consort, husband Harry Edwards, at the local community garden building in Hadleigh Road.
The community garden project – being led by the Sutton Trust Community Group and supported by landlord William Sutton – is soon to be planted up with the first crops once raised beds and pathways are completed.
In the meantime a community building next to the garden, built on land provided by William Sutton, is being used by residents of all ages to learn about healthy eating and preparing recipes from fresh ingredients.
The building, which comes complete with a kitchen, is designed to support the healthy eating project so that in time residents can grow their own vegetables in the garden, and turn them into healthy meals next door.
The young people, who all attend the local Cyber Cafe, prepared a hearty vegetable soup and tasty apple sponge cake as Mr and Mrs Edwards visited to talk to the children and find out more about the project.
Gavin Tams, aged 19, a youth leader with the group, said: “The young people have really got involved with the idea of healthy eating and learning cookery skills. It was great that the Lord Mayor could pay us a visit and I think she and her husband enjoyed the meal.
“It is important that youngsters learn the values of healthy eating and cooking is also an important life skill.”
The community garden has been built on land donated by William Sutton Housing Association, following the demolition of empty flats at the site.
The project has brought together a number of different agencies including Renew North Staffordshire, Groundwork Stoke-on-Trent, Stoke City Council, Trafford Hall, Sure Start and North Stoke Primary Care Trust.
Trevor Costello, regional manager for William Sutton Housing Association, said: “The community garden project has attracted a great deal of interest and we are delighted that the Lord Mayor wanted to visit to talk to local residents and find out more.
“The local residents at Abbey Hulton have really taken hold of the project and helped to make it a real success. It is great that residents of all ages are getting involved and making use of the facilities.”
The meal took place on Saturday, February 3.
Ends
Press release issued: February 7 2007
