Gardening runs in Penny McDermott's family:"My grandfather had an allotment here and I remember coming here as a child. My father was a professional gardener at Pimley Manor in Shrewsbury. We've had an allotment here for three years as we wanted to grow our own vegetables and we wanted a hobby that got us out in the fresh air. The allotments used to be a bit of a male territory but now more and more women are getting their own plots."

Husband Maurice adds: "We know most of the other allotment holders which is great as there's always someone to talk to."

Brothers in law Eric Parry and Neville Pate have had allotments at Price's Lane for 10 years. Eric explains: "We come here every day at about 11 in the morning. We bring a flask and have a nice, relaxing time. We do a little bit every day and spend most of the time drinking coffee - little and often is the way to do it!"

Neville adds: "We produce enough fruit and veg to feed our families and keep the neighbours going too. Everything we grow is organic and we recycle whatever we can, we don't waste anything. We grow flowers to encourage butterflies, as well as fruit and veg."

The Workers' Educational Association runs a course called 'Changing seasons' (part of the 'Working Together Towards Understanding' programme) for people with learning disabilities. Students grow their own vegetables and maintain the plot as part of the course. The group is currently hoping to establish raised beds so that students using wheelchairs can enjoy gardening too. They are also putting in bark pathways for safety reasons.

Student Martin Oliver: "I grow onions, potatoes and carrots. I did a bit of gardening before starting this course and I really enjoy it. I like the variety and being out in the fresh air."

WEA tutor Jenny says: "The students' allotment is paid for by the Allotment Tenants' Association and we are indebted to them for their support."

Jenny also has her own allotment: "This is my third year of having this plot which I share. I find it so relaxing, particularly after a day at work. It's nice to do something physical that you don't have to think about. We've recently put in a little frog pond and established a herb garden as well as growing all sorts of fruit and vegetables. It's nice to have a chat with people here but I come here mostly to get a bit of peace!"

Mervyn Wright has had an allotment at Price's Lane for 40 years: "My allotment belonged to my father-in-law. Sadly, he died six months before my wife and I got married. The allotment was left to me. I didn't do any gardening before so I had to start from scratch. You pick things up quite quickly. The best thing to do is to listen to what other people tell you. I now grow a variety of fruit and veg, including potatoes, cabbage, beans, beetroot, sweetcorn, blackberries, rhubarb and raspberries. Allotments seem to be taking off again. I think it's because perhaps people don't want pesticides on their food."

Monty Crowe: "I've had an allotment for about 16 years. I love it down here, I get a lot of pleasure out of it. I grow all my own fruit, veg and flowers. I've usually got a bunch of fresh flowers from the allotment at home. My wife makes jam with the fruit I grow - the grandchildren love it. I also make wine from different veg like beetroot. Having a plot keeps me active and gets me out in the fresh air."