The Keel Drive Allotment Association celebrated its most successful year yet with an annual barbecue, featuring local officials and community leaders.

Slough MP Tan Dhesi and Cippenham Councillor Dilbagh Parmar attended the event on Saturday, August 31 and expressed their appreciation for the organization's contributions to the community.

The past year has seen the association thrive, forming strategic partnerships with Slough Borough Council (SBC) and instituting various community-focused initiatives.

This intense effort has resulted in the Keel Drive Allotment Association receiving the prestigious Gold Award in the Slough in Bloom competition, a salute to its exceptional work in environmental sustainability and community engagement.

MP Tan Dhesi said: "I want to thank Slough Keel Drive Allotment in particular the chairperson Meeta and the entire committee for showing me around today, for all of their wonderful work.

"Those who have allotments, this is therapeutic as well as enhancing our environment as well as enhancing our community.

"We have 9 different languages spoken here. We have produce ‘Made in Slough’ but this is global produce emanating from different parts of the world.

"So onwards and upwards and I hope many more people will be able to enjoy and benefit from being part of such an allotment association."

The special occasion was marked not only by these accolades but also by the unveiling of new projects.

These projects are designed to increase communication, enhance community spirit, and expand the reach of the association.

The association’s work has helped foster multicultural cohesion within the community, with events and workshops offering a platform for people from differing backgrounds.

This spirit of unity has strengthened the local multicultural community, allowing it to grow and surmount language and culture barriers.

A formal committee, elected in June 2023, reflects the increasing community involvement in the organization’s governance.

Collaborations with local allotment associations and a mobile shop initiative have ensured discounted gardening supplies and local produce are accessible to Keel Drive tenants.

Looking to the future, the association has plans to raise funds for the renovation of the historic trading hut, aiming to convert it into a community education center to fight social isolation and provide year-round activities.

Further plans include the creation of a community orchard, further cementing the allotment’s role as a vital green space in Slough.

Chairperson of Keel Drive Allotment Association, Meeta Nakum, said: "As the Chairperson of the Keel Drive Allotment Association, and as a uniquely Asian female in this type of leadership role, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude as I reflect on the remarkable journey we have undertaken in our first year as a formally elected committee.

"Receiving the Gold Award in the Slough in Bloom competition is a recognition of the hard work, passion, and dedication of every single member of our community.

"This award is not just a testament to our beautiful allotment but to the spirit of cooperation and commitment that defines us."