New community allotment takes shape at Movilla Abbey Church
An exciting mission project has begun to take shape in the grounds of Movilla Abbey Church, Newtownards, with the creation of an allotment that will benefit the whole community.
The seed was planted in parishioner June Millar’s heart 5 years ago and has been brought to fruition by a small group – just 6 strong – with the encouragement and support of the church.
Lifegroup leader, Simon Hodge, explained: “As a group we were looking at mission and the idea for the allotment actually came out of a bit of banter about growing vegetables!
“Initially we thought that we could grow vegetables and give them away to people who need them. There are a number of foodbanks in Newtownards but none of them take fresh produce.
“But the more we thought about it the more we realised that this could be a real community thing.”
As Movilla is a joint Church of Ireland and Methodist Church, Simon brought the vision to both ministers and both congregations who have come behind the project with finance, the offer of the church grounds and practical help.
“We’ve had endless people offer us greenhouses, cash, gardens and time”, said Simon, “and we couldn’t have got as far as we have without our Scouts who did a brilliant job on Saturday.”