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Derby allotment turns 130 with 'rude veg' competition Derby allotment turns 130 with 'rude veg' competition
(5 days later)
The allotment is the oldest in Derby and dates back to the Victorian eraThe allotment is the oldest in Derby and dates back to the Victorian era
Derby's first ever allotment is celebrating its 130th birthday with a "rudest vegetable competition".Derby's first ever allotment is celebrating its 130th birthday with a "rudest vegetable competition".
Firs Estate Allotments, based in Dean Street, was founded in 1895 and the seven-acre site is home to a community of more than 100 keen gardeners spread across 50 plots.Firs Estate Allotments, based in Dean Street, was founded in 1895 and the seven-acre site is home to a community of more than 100 keen gardeners spread across 50 plots.
The open day on Saturday is part of National Allotments Week and a number of events will take place on the day.The open day on Saturday is part of National Allotments Week and a number of events will take place on the day.
Treasurer Dr Alex Rock, told the BBC: "We love opening our doors and we love people just wandering around and falling in love with this green lung in the city." Treasurer Dr Alex Rock told the BBC: "We love opening our doors and we love people just wandering around and falling in love with this green lung in the city."
The site still has the Victorian-style allotment layout and boasts a set of World War Two shelters and barrage balloon couplings which were designed to hide Derby from German bombers. The site still has the Victorian-style allotment layout and boasts a set of World War Two shelters and barrage balloon couplings, which were designed to hide Derby from German bombers.
The allotment has some of the largest plots in the cityThe allotment has some of the largest plots in the city
Dr Rock said the allotment had an "absolutely incredible year" for fruit such as damsons and apples and people turning up to the open day will be able to see a wide range of methods and items grown on each plot from potatoes to tromboncino, a type of squash used in stews. Dr Rock said the allotment had an "absolutely incredible year" for fruit such as damsons and apples, and people turning up to the open day would be able to see a wide range of methods and items grown on each plot - from potatoes to tromboncino - a type of squash used in stews.
The "rudest vegetable competition" is where the tromboncino will take centre stage, often taking a humorous form when left to grow out. Allotment holders have been nurturing their entries since April.The "rudest vegetable competition" is where the tromboncino will take centre stage, often taking a humorous form when left to grow out. Allotment holders have been nurturing their entries since April.
"They are rude looking vegetables," Dr Rock added."They are rude looking vegetables," Dr Rock added.
"We'll be judging the rudest tromboncino at the open day so people will be invited along to pick their favourite."We'll be judging the rudest tromboncino at the open day so people will be invited along to pick their favourite.
"You can judge it by length, weight and even girth. It's the people's choice.""You can judge it by length, weight and even girth. It's the people's choice."
The tromboncino is a unique, elongated variety from the courgette familyThe tromboncino is a unique, elongated variety from the courgette family
Dr Rock said the benefits of working on an allotment were huge and urged people to get involved.Dr Rock said the benefits of working on an allotment were huge and urged people to get involved.
"It's an escape and when you go through those gates it's a little bit of paradise... you really don't feel like you're in a city," he said."It's an escape and when you go through those gates it's a little bit of paradise... you really don't feel like you're in a city," he said.
"It allows you stop and reflect, get the soil in your hands and really get stuck in to connect with growing fruit and vegetables.""It allows you stop and reflect, get the soil in your hands and really get stuck in to connect with growing fruit and vegetables."
Other activities include tool sharpening sessions, a guided meditation on the wildlife plot, a history tour, a barbeque, wine tasting sessions and live music.Other activities include tool sharpening sessions, a guided meditation on the wildlife plot, a history tour, a barbeque, wine tasting sessions and live music.
The allotment is open to the public between 11:00 BST and 16:00. The allotment is open to the public between 11:00 and 16:00 BST.
Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.