Eighty years after Tameside was asked to dig for victory, the borough is once again taking up the spade – this time to dig for the future.

The wartime “Dig for Victory” campaign encouraged people to transform gardens, parks and sports pitches into allotments to grow vegetables. 

“Tameside’s Dig for the Future” is a partnership between the council, the Veterans Food Co and Tameside Armed Services Community (TASC) to grow produce at the vets’ allotment in Denton and then be shown how turn it into tasty meals using recipes that will later be published in a book.

Funding for the project has been secured through a successful bid to the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust’s Force for Change programme.

The allotment has been a long-term project for TASC. Despite delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, excellent progress has been made with veterans enjoying the chance to get outdoors.

TASC has completely transformed the Rose Hill site by constructing a summer house, building raised beds, installing a fruit cage and polytunnel, and planting various crops and fruit trees. The allotment is available to any veterans who want to get involved or just meet up for a cup of tea and a chat.

Cllr Ged Cooney, Tameside Council’s executive member with responsibility for the Armed Forces Covenant, said: “I’m very pleased to see the council, TASC and the Veterans Food Co coming together to share their combined knowledge to support the armed forces community in Tameside.

“The allotment is a great idea in its own right but it’s an idea made even better by showing how all the fresh fruit and vegetables can be turned into delicious meals. 

“From what I know of veterans they’ll have some interesting recipes of their own. I look forward to seeing the book when it’s published.”

Chef Noel Goulding from the Veterans Food Co added: “This is a perfect response to the difficulties faced by many over the last year.

“The benefit of this project to the mental health and wellbeing of veterans and their families in the area should not be underestimated.”

Daniel Millan, development officer at the TASC allotment, commented: “I’m very excited to be working with Noel and Tameside Council to produce meals and recipes for veterans and their families.”

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