THE Alton Local Food Initiative held its annual harvest feast at the Methodist Church Hall on Saturday.

“The hall was decorated with berries and autumn leaves and flowers and some impressive pumpkins grown by Ellis, our treasurer,” said food initiative committee member Sonia Clark.

“We offered delicious homemade produce, including biscuits, beetroot and chocolate cake, and apple cake with coffee or tea. There were a variety of homemade soups for lunch including spicy parsnip, butternut squash and watercress soup with homemade bread, rolls or muffins.”

She continued: “There was a photographic display showing the plots and planters around town, including the latest vicarage plot in St Lawrence vicarage front garden and the sensory garden at the Limes that Alton Local Food Initiative volunteers work on.

“And we offered bags of eating apples and packets of autumn seeds and green manure.”

Mrs Clark explained that “plenty of local people dropped in to look around or sit for a chat over coffee or lunch”, adding that donations were invited and profit from the event will be used for materials needed for the 12 sites around Alton that Alton Local Food Initiative gardens.

“The seed swap will be at the same venue on the morning of Saturday February 6, 2016,” added Mrs Clark. “A date for next year’s diary!”

“We are always in need of more volunteer gardeners to help with the watering, harvest and to join in the working parties at some of the plots. It’s friendly and fun. If you wish to become an Alton Local Food Initiative supporter, it’s free and you receive a quarterly newsletter by e-mail.”