Saturday, 13th April 2019
Caversham Court ~ Bean Pole Day

The tenth such event saw a wide range of local organisations gather to sell plants and other items for this coming season's gardening and promote interest in their activities.

RSPB with bird tables, feeders and nest boxes.

A selection of reconditioned tools.

Ways and Means, .....

Friends of the Earth and .....

Traidcraft.

Reading Tree Wardens, Reading Food Growing Network with their seed swap stall, and Global Justice all added to the mix.

Reading Beekeeper Keepers .....

..... providing the opportunity to purchase local honey .....

..... and explore the interior of a beehive.

Tilehurst Horticultural Association .....

..... with plants aplenty.

The Stick Smith .....

..... keeping traditional crafts alive.

And of course there were bean poles together with peasticks .....

..... as well as Caversham WI, John Loyd with his hand crafted walking sticks, Peter Wheat's tool sharpening service, the Motor Neurone Disease Society and others, to all of whom Econet's offers its thanks for their help in making the event a success.

And for any requiring a few moments quiet contemplation, the riverside gardens.

Launchpad

Among the beneficiaries of this year's bean pole 'harvest' was Launchpad for whom Econet provided beans poles to use on their Woodley allotment. The allotment, started this year, is to be managed by corporate groups with the produce going to foodbanks and soup kitchens. Funds raised by the project will help Launchpad with their work providing support and assistance to Reading's homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless.

Wednesday, 8th May 2019

Despite the showers, the day's group managed to get the runner bean trench dug over and the poles installed with enough poles left to create a tepee for climbing borlotti beans.

Saturday, 18th May 2019

The runners are planted!

Updated: Saturday, 20th March 2021
Photographs: Alan Stevens; Carolyn Davies; Peter Wheat