As we look ahead to the next growing season, we want to thank you for your continued support for Veg on the Edge over the last year.

2022 was a year of consolidation after the turmoil of the previous couple of years. In January we received a £500 Community Chest Grant from Shipley Area Committee (Bradford Council). We used this money to help install two new beds at the Baker Beds. Our thanks, as ever, to Bradford Works (Shipley College) for constructing these.

The new growing beds were up and running in time for a good crop of courgettes and squash. Unfortunately, our newly installed water butts at this site went missing. Luckily, we had the funds to replace them, and we managed to fill them before the hosepipe ban kicked in. Watering was probably the biggest challenge in 2022 and the volume and quality of some produce suffered as a result. However, we did have some bumper fruit crops; pears and, in particular, mulberries. 

We were delighted to, once again, take part in the Arts Trail (May), Saltaire Festival (September), the Christmas Tree Lights Switch-on Event (November). It was such a pleasure to meet with and chat to old friends and new and we are immensely grateful for the donations we receive which make what we do possible. It is worth saying here that you can now donate to Veg on the Edge online via Givey.

In June we arranged a picnic at the Baker Beds as part of the Eden Project Big Lunch, but also to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee. Our very special guests were the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Martin Love and the Lady Mayoress, Mrs Helen Love.

We were also pleased to play a part in Shipley Town Council’s submission to the Yorkshire in Bloom competition. The judges visited our sites and seemed interested in what we are doing noting it was “good to hear the Veg on the Edge group have created five areas around Saltaire on former sites of buildings that formed part of the Model Village”. We were delighted to find out in December that Shipley in Bloom received a Silver for the Small Town category.

During the year we signed up with Plastic Free Shipley who are campaigning to reduce the use of single use plastics. You can find out more about Plastic Free Shipley by following them on Facebook and Twitter.

Veg on the Edge is always keen to work with other community groups and local organisations. This year we were pleased to visit Sapgate Gardens in Thornton; give a talk to the Women’s Fellowship group at Saltaire Methodist Church; support the Bradford and Shipley Travel Alliance consultation event at the Kirkgate Centre in March. We contributed to Shipley College’s Horticulture Employer network event, and Leeds City Council’s Green Month. We were also involved in a very interesting session in July run by the Saltaire History Club on Allotments in Saltaire.  

So, to 2023. This year Veg on the Edge is 10 years old. Quite an achievement! We are planning to celebrate this over the first weekend in June to coincide with the next Eden Project Big Lunch. We will keep you posted on details. 

This year also heralds the need for some remedial work at our sites. You may have noticed that a number of beds at the Sunday School Garden and Platform 1 need restoration, and we are in the process of fundraising for this work.

During the winter months we continue to get together outside on the first Sunday of the month at 11am, meeting in the Sunday School Garden, Caroline Street. If you fancy getting your hands in the earth or just want a chat, do join us. Happy growing!