Derby allotment turns 130 with ‘rude veg’ 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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

“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.”

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 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.

The allotment is open to the public between 11:00 BST and 16:00.