Honey is the bees knees

Sara Lewis and Derek Clarke

SUCCESS is sweet for a community smallholding in Failsworth, which is preparing to sell its first jar of honey.

Volunteer beekeeper Derek Clarke has been nurturing a hive at the Grassroots project for the last two years, and the bees are now producing enough honey to sell.

He has begun to extract, or “spin” the honey for sale to local residents and schools from the Marlborough Drive, site.

Bees are just one part of the scheme which has transformed a piece of derelict land near Rochdale canal into a successful smallholding with an orchard, chickens and vegetables that help local people to enjoy the ‘Good Life’.

Councillor Barbara Dawson, cabinet member for co-operatives and community development, said: “The Grassroots Failsworth project fits well with Oldham Council’s co-operative values and is a real success story.

“It has given residents and schools the opportunity to get back to nature and involved with the daily aspects of growing and nurturing plants and livestock.”

She added: “Derek and the other volunteers and staff have done a great job in ensuring the success of this hive and getting local people and children involved.

“I am looking forward to tasting a fine Failsworth vintage!”

For more information about the Grassroots Failsworth project, or to get involved, contact Jim Marshall on 0161-770 8500, email jim.marshall@oldham.gov.uk or Sara Lewis on 0161-770 5015 or e-mail sara.lewis@oldham.gov.uk