Flowers on the Table and Singing in the Bath, Victoria Baths, 13 September 2015

Flowers on the table – that’s the key to the kingdom, the children’s rhyme goes. Choir members lurk behind pretty flower arrangements as we sample the delicious lemon drizzle and carrot and ginger cake. We’ve been to this building many times now. We’re still impressed with its beauty. There seems to be a new touch every time. Yes, these flower arrangements are exquisite – each one is a little different. It’s that attention to detail that makes the difference. We sing in front of a huge heart made of tissue and net flowers. We suspect there’s been a wedding here.  

Ordsall Community Allotment show, 5 September 2015

Salfordian red-brick town-houses, a well-run community café, a pretty garden, the gate opened officially the first time today by the mayor,  some impressive produce and some tidy and productive allotments- what more could one wish for? Sunshine perhaps, and a choir? Yep. We got those.         

Councils in the United Kingdom are supposed to pledge a certain amount of land to people in the borough to use for growing fruit, vegetables and horticultural items. The Shrerber movement in Germany sought to provide fresh air for growing children by creating allotment-type gardens. The allotments also helped to combat malnutrition. Families could grow their own healthy food. This is a really important initiative then in both countries, and the people of Ordsall do it wonderfully.