Gardeners from Edge Hill Allotment Association expressed their joy as they took delivery of their new seat which was donated by local County Councillor Joy Allen.  Joy who has cabinet responsibilities for community safety had the seat constructed by offenders working in HMP Durham Prison workshop.

Lynda Elliott, Learning, Skills and Employment Activity Unit Manager said “HMP Durham works in partnership with NOVUS, National Careers Service, Communicators, CRS and Jobcentre Plus to offer a plethora of opportunities to enhance offenders life skills and employment opportunities on release.”

Cllr Joy Allen said, having visited the workshops and met some of the offenders  involved in the production of the bench I now appreciate the positive work that is being done inside prisons enabling prisoners to work full time, whilst delivering job training and working towards accredited qualifications

Alan Hodgson, Treasurer of Edge Hill Allotment Association said.  Our appreciation goes to prisoners and staff at HMP Durham wood workshop for making such a beautifully constructed and solid bench.  Hopefully in some small way we may have helped someone’s rehabilitation and employment prospects.

“The new bench can now be used safety by all and will be in constant use by weary gardeners throughout the year especially our older members who can now sit in comfort and pass their knowledge on to all budding gardeners.

The seat is the main focal point in the allotments and is used as an impromptu meeting place to talk gardening, weather politics and sport of for just a good bit of ‘craic’.  However they may just want to rest and look at the breath taking view over the gardens towards Escomb and up the Wear Valley.  It is in our opinion the allotment seat with the best view in the County.  Now we truly have a seat worthy of the view.

Photographed Left to right Standing Alan Brown, Chairman and the oldest gardener Mr Billy Robinson (86) Cllr Joy Allen and Alan Hodgson Treasurer.

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