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Glasgow Allotment Community Grows With Revamped Facilities



Green-fingered allotmenteers in the north of Glasgow will soon have a new central space to come together, thanks to improvements planned at Hamiltonhill Allotments.


Since the 1920s, Hamiltonhill Allotments has been a welcoming space where local people can grow their own food and connect with their neighbours through shared gardening.


These days the Hamiltonhill Allotment Association operates as a not-for-profit, volunteer-led organisation. It aims to promote environmentally responsible growing practices, provide access to fresh produce, improve physical and mental wellbeing, and help people find social connections and a sense of belonging.


The allotments are made up of over 40 plots and 10 raised beds, providing growing space for over 60 members and their families, a local Afghan community group and an autism group.


Members also benefit from a range of shared facilities on site, including a kitchen, polytunnel, orchard, wildlife garden and pond. Everything is set up to support learning, biodiversity, volunteering and seasonal activities which take place throughout the year.


After speaking with their members, Hamiltonhill Allotment Association is now planning to improve the communal shelter and tool storage at the site.


The project will provide a much-needed functional focal point where the allotment community can meet, hold seasonal gatherings and shelter from the weather throughout the year. Repairs will also be made to the facility used to house gardening equipment, and a notice board will be installed to help members to stay informed and support greater participation in communal activities.


The has all been made possible thanks to a £1,088 donation from the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust.


Kyle Taggart, Secretary of the Hamiltonhill Allotment Association Committee, said:


“This support from Allied Vehicles will have a huge impact on our allotment community. It will allow us to deliver a new, much-needed, outdoor space where we can get together and hold allotment events throughout the year."


"It will also help us make repairs to a vital storage container where we keep our gardening equipment, so that it will last for years to come.”


David Facenna, Corporate Culture Director at Allied Vehicles, said:


“Hamiltonhill Allotment Association provides a fantastic space for local people to come together, learn new skills and enjoy the benefits of gardening."

"We are delighted that this funding will help create a new central area for members while also improving facilities on site. The allotments have served local people for over 100 years, and it our hope that these improvements allow it do so for many, many more.”

The improvements will strengthen the allotment and its facilities and will help community members come together to continue growing and connecting with nature, and each other, for a long time to come no matter what Glasgow's weather throws at them.



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A local bakery is behind the new Australian-inspired treat available now on the shelves of M&S stores across the UK.


Based in Magherafelt, Genesis Bakery has been a trusted M&S supplier for over 15 years, delivering award-winning bakery products crafted from high-quality ingredients. The bakery currently produces a core range of 22 products for M&S, including the Mini Fruity Cupcake Selection, alongside special seasonal showstoppers for the retailer.


Now, it has turned its attention to creating Australian-inspired lamingtons exclusively for M&S – the first lamingtons available on the UK high street.


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  • Chocolate & Coconut – buttermilk-enriched chocolate sponge coated in chocolate sauce, rolled in coconut flakes, and topped with hand-piped jam and buttercream.

  • Caramelised Biscuit – rich chocolate sponge coated in chocolate sauce, rolled in golden caramelised biscuit crumb, and finished with hand-piped buttercream and salted caramel sauce.

Retailing at £4 for a pack of two, the Lamingtons showcase how M&S is drawing inspiration from global food trends to create fresh new products for its customers. It follows the launch of M&S’ Magic Coffee™, inspired by the Melbourne coffee scene, in 2023.


Each Lamington is hand-finished by the skilled team at Genesis Bakery, combining craftsmanship with innovation to deliver an indulgent twist on an iconic Australian classic.


JP Lyttle, Commercial & Product Development Director at Genesis Bakery, said:

"We are incredibly proud to be producing these new Lamingtons for M&S. Our long-standing partnership has always been built on shared values of quality and innovation. Bringing this iconic treat to the UK high street is a testament to what we can achieve together, and we’re excited to continue investing in our people and our community here in Magherafelt."

Alice Birch, Product Developer at M&S, added:

"Lamingtons are the most iconic cake from down under, and it’s hugely exciting to be the first to bring our version of this beloved Aussie classic to the UK high street. It’s also fantastic to have them made here in Northern Ireland by Genesis Bakery - we knew the care the team put into every product would help deliver that touch of M&S magic!"

"Our lamingtons are extra special – hand-finished with toppings and super indulgent thanks to the rich chocolate sponge and caramelised biscuit flavour. So, if you’re feeling like an Aussie-inspired adventure, make sure to give them a try at your local M&S store.”


Genesis Bakery employs over 250 people at its Magherafelt site, and its collaboration with M&S continues to drive innovation and growth in Northern Ireland’s agri-food sector.



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