A MAJOR new project exploring and celebrating the market gardening heritage of the Vale of Evesham is now under way and looking for volunteers.
Funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund is allowing the market gardening industry which thrived in the Vale of Evesham until the mid-20th century to be recorded, shared and celebrated.
The project is being run by Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service, in partnership with Cleeve Prior Heritage Trust, Vale Landscape Heritage Trust and the Worcestershire Farmsteads Project.
The key focus of this two year Heritage Lottery Funded project is local memories and buildings, as both are at risk of soon being lost without record.
A survey to record surviving buildings that once lined the end of allotments (locally known as hovels) is already underway thanks to the work of volunteers. The survey will cover 11 parishes in the area.
Alongside the physical remains of market gardening, there are stories to uncover and memories to capture.
Volunteers to help research lost tales and record recollections of market gardening, or those with memories they would like to share, should get in touch with Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service.
Volunteer research training is taking place on Saturday, February 23 from 10am-midday in Worcester and Thursday April 25 between 2pm and 4pm in Evesham.
An oral history workshop is also taking place in Worcester on February 23 from 1pm to 4pm.
E-mail [email protected] or call 01905 766352 for more.
