Green-fingered pals on same allotment for 70 years!

The green-fingered pals have been collectively growing vegetables and flowers on the 45-plot Brookfield Allotment site in Urmston for an incredible 70 YEARS - and they're still going strong.

Widower Frank, aged 86, and from Davyhulme, has been working on his plot for over 50 years and Flo, aged 88, from Urmston, has been on the neighbouring plot for a total of 20 years.

The pair, who tend to their plots at the site on Brook Road three times a week, love nothing better than growing vegetables and flowers to give away to grateful family and friends.
Great Grandfather Frank, who worked as a projectionist at the Curzon Cinema in Urmston for many years, said:

 "I absolutely love my allotment and spend as much time as I can on it. Gardening is a real passion for me - and I was hooked aged six when my mum bought me some sunflower seeds. They produced these huge, beautiful flowers and I knew them that I had the bug for for it.

"I took the plot over from my brother-in-law 51 years ago this September and it is the best thing I ever did. I grow all sorts - spuds, cauliflowers, salad produce, you name it - and I pretty much give it all away. My joy is growing for other people."

Grandmother Flo, a former machinist, said: 

"The allotment means the world to me and I am here three times a week growing a variety of veg including cabbage, beetroot, kidney beams and squash. I tend to come on the same days as Frank as our plots are next to each other and we can have a good chat and a laugh. The allotments help us keep active and I don't know wat I would do without it."

This week is National Allotment Week which centres on the theme 'Grow to Learn' and focuses on the personal skills that can be obtained by spending time on the plot as well as highlighting how allotments shape our personal development and wellbeing. 

Brookfield Allotment Secretary, Jenny Ogg, said:

"Flo and Frank are an inspiration to us all and we love them so much.  Their hard work and commitment is incredible and the fact they have been here 70 years between them is amazing. Everyone on our allotment thinks the world of them - they make our lives a joy.

"We held a party on the allotment for Frank to celebrate his 50th year and we presented him with his favourite single malt. He and Flo are just brilliant." 

Trafford Council supports 35 allotment sites and, through its Allotment Strategy 2026-2031, aims to enhance allotment provision, promote community engagement, and support sustainable, healthy lifestyles across the borough. 

Its mission, titled “Growing Trafford Together”, focuses on empowering residents with access to growing spaces, promoting mental and physical well-being, supporting skill development, enhancing biodiversity, and fostering social connection and physical activity.

The Council has also made addressing the climate crisis - reducing carbon footprints, improving air quality and increasing climate resilience - a strategic corporate priority.

Cllr Keleigh Glenton, Trafford Council's Executive Member for Community Safety and Civil Contingencies, said: 

"Congratulations to Flo and Frank - they really are a wonderful inspiration to us all. They grow their own fruit and veg then give it away to help others. In doing so they share not just their produce but also their values of caring for the natural world and fostering community spirit.

"We are very proud of our allotments and our allotment holders. Allotments are vital to our borough - they promote physical and mental well-being and empower people to grow their own flowers, fruit trees and sustainable food sources. It is great to see the allotment movement in Trafford flourishing."

There are two free plots available at the Brookfield Allotment site. To make an enquiry, please email brookfieldallotments@hotmail.com.