30/09/2026
✨ Growing Connections: Melvin’s Story at Pershore Allotment ✨
Melvin Crooke, aged 76, is a retired hairdresser who has been attending the Age UK Wyvern allotment in Pershore for the past two years. He enjoys gardening, walking and still cycling, following in the footsteps of his father, who continued riding his bicycle until the age of 89. Melvin also enjoys carpentry and brings a range of practical skills and experience to the allotment 🪴.
Melvin already has his own allotment, where he enjoys gardening. However, it was through his friend Mark, who suggested he come along to the Pershore allotment, that he discovered a new opportunity to meet people and become part of a wider community.
Through attending the allotment, Melvin has made new friends, become more involved in the community and expanded his knowledge of gardening. He enjoys sharing his own skills, knowledge and tools with others, creating a welcoming environment where everyone can contribute.
While gardening brought him to the allotment, it's the friendships and social connections that have become the most rewarding part of his experience 🫶.
Attending the allotment has contributed to Melvin's general health and wellbeing, while also helping him develop meaningful friendships and strengthen his community connections 💪.
🍅🥕🥔 He enjoys sharing the produce grown at the allotment, bringing it home to enjoy and sharing the rewards of everyone's hard work. For Melvin, the allotment is about much more than growing vegetables—it's about friendship, learning and being part of something together.
Melvin's story highlights how gardening can bring people together, create friendships and provide opportunities to share knowledge and skills.
It reminds us that positive ageing is about staying active, continuing to learn and building meaningful connections at every stage of life. The friendships formed at the allotment have become just as important as the gardening itself, showing the value of creating welcoming spaces where older people can connect, contribute and thrive 💛.
Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire Age UK North Worcestershire Worcestershire County Council Herefordshire Council
