DELICIOUS, freshly dug red skinned potatoes baked on a huge bonfire, was the treat on offer at a Teignmouth park. The spuds were the first crop from the walled garden cultivated by the Teign Estuary Transition environment group at Eastcliff.

About 80 turned up for the Sunday feast, which also included salads grown there, and Helen Wharam, from the group, declared it a resounding success. ‘The crop was abundant – the last ones were still being dug up in the morning while the fire was being built,’she said.

‘We have been restoring the garden to create a food growing space for the community. Help is always welcome and we meet there on Sundays between 11am and 1pm.’ Teignmouth Community Choir sang environmental themed songs by its conductor and composer David Haines to celebrate the garden and its harvest. Visitors also bought surplus uncooked potatoes to take home, and the money raised will go towards buying seeds.

The event was also supported by Sian Avon, Teignbridge Council’s senior countryside ranger, who provided wood for the fire. Fran Hamilton, one of the group’s main gardeners, said: ‘We are delighted that our first crop was so successful – enough for a free baked potato for everybody.’

One of the organisers, Mary Lidgate, enthused: ‘It was a great day, with so many people mucking in. Thanks to everybody who brought extra food and helped to make it such a success.’ And Dianne Cleasby, whose granddaughter Marni dug up the first potato, added: ‘It’s great fun for the children to help in the garden, and there was a fantastic family atmosphere.’

The transition movement is about helping build a resilient local economy by exploring ways of moving together towards a more sustainable future. Sourcing and growing local food is one key activity, to reduce food miles and help create a healthier lifestyle.

More information is available on the website www.teigntransition.org.uk/.

The Teignmouth Community Choir, conducted by David Haines.

Video created by John Silverman

---

Tweet

Potato party in the park goes down a treat - Monday, 07/Nov/2011

Town criers' challenge - Wednesday, 14/Sep/2011

Bid for Matt Bellamy's glasses - Tuesday, 06/Sep/2011

Sand dancing - Tuesday, 23/Aug/2011

Teignbridge Council Sports Personality 2010- Natalie Melmore finds out she has won. - Thursday, 02/Dec/2010

Teignbridge Council Sports Personality 2010- nominees and winners - Thursday, 02/Dec/2010

Teignbridge Sports Personality-interviews - Thursday, 02/Dec/2010

Bovey Tracey 750th Charter Celebrations - Thursday, 22/Jul/2010

Newton Bushell Morris dancers - Friday, 09/Jul/2010

College wins West Ends debut - Wednesday, 26/May/2010

Budget 2010 - Thursday, 01/Apr/2010

Fairtrade conference at Bovey Tracey Primary School - Friday, 19/Mar/2010