A few years ago I decided for myself that I was going to step back from any one sided bad press attention we suffered in Rochdale and look at the bigger picture of what we have in this great town. I not only wanted to have the foresight to see a better future for Rochdale but to be a part of it. Realising the responsibility that we all have to move our town forward I'm doing it in the best way I know how. Even venturing into the things I don't 100% know how but am determined to achieve. You may be aware of the 'incredible edibles.' Well, after getting to know the original members of the Walsden site I put a proposal through to turn some unsightly shrubs in the communal garden where I live (Stoneyvale court) into some tidy raised beds. Even before I planted anything the area is so much better, aesthetically. Now I have all sorts of edible plants growing right now under poly tunnels. Purple broccoli, lettuce, potatoes, tomatoes, leeks, peas, peppers, kale, cabbage etc...., as well as a herb garden. :) I plan to consistently expand this until all these problem areas are not only remedied but put to a good use. Stoneyvale court was by far the best housing example Rochdale council launched. I'm not only going to bring it back to its former glory but make it better than its ever been. The edible plants are not only good to eat but are, (not an original but) a long forgotten example of community. I truly believe help in this direction will build much needed good relations between the council and its people. I'm also a planner and volunteer at the self grow project at Queens Drive. This is working alongside the groundwork team. On the grounds of what were once flats, we have a mains water and electricity supply for our porta cabins and gardens. It's about empowerment and pride. It's about education, but most of all self sufficiency. The most basic key lesson of the affluent law of nature. As mentioned earlier, I want Stoneyvale court to be a pilot project. A shining example. In short, my plan is, not to only implement this on every estate that has willing residents but for Rochdale council and Rochdale borough housing to hand over increasing areas of land that it'd rather not spend money on maintaining or is unsightly to the community. Plant raised beds or make fertile and fence it. It's no secret that the price of fresh produce is going to increase dramatically over the next 20 years. Its going to get harder to eat healthy. I'd like this town (being the birthplace of the co-op) to be the first in the country that could soften this blow. For us to be the most self sufficient. I'm not looking at this as a novelty thing, but what may be a future movement. There are more benefits to this than I can even think of.