Wednesday, August 11, 2010

“Minister Visits Prisons Vegetable Garden Part 1”

“Minister Visits Prisons Vegetable Garden Part 1”

Minister Visits Prisons Vegetable Garden Part 1

Posted: 11 Aug 2010 01:24 AM PDT

Green fingered prisoners and prison officers are producing pounds of vegetables from the Isle of Man Prison grounds in Jurby.

Behind the five metre high security walls, around 70 vegetable beds have been dug with produce at varying stages of maturity.

At the weekend, the Isle of Man Prison entered the Sulby Horticultural Show in several categories. They were awarded first prize for peas in their pods and courgettes, with second places for onions and potatoes. Additionally, they were awarded first prize for pickled beetroot and beetroot and ginger chutney, both made in the cookery class. The beetroot and ginger chutney also won the eggs, honey and preserves section trophy. The prison was also awarded the Mrs T M Oliver Cup for gaining the most points in the vegetable classes.

Education Manager, Judy Jackson, said: 'The best thing about it was the fact that everybody was so pleased that we had entered.'

Earlier today, Home Affairs Minister Adrian Earnshaw MHK and invited media were shown around the vegetable garden by horticulture tutor Vic Smirthwaite and Education Manager Judy Jackson.

Mr Earnshaw said: 'Horticulture studies commenced in March and I think the amount of vegetables so far produced here is a credit to everyone involved. You can't beat homegrown vegetables for their taste and freshness, and the fact prisoners can develop an interest and skill in horticulture is a double benefit. I am impressed and I hope the vegetable garden and the level of interest in it continues to develop.'

All education at the prison is provided through the Isle of Man College. Education Manager Judy Jackson said: 'It's real practical work and has a qualification attached to it. Prisoners can work towards an AQA (Assessment and Qualifications Alliance) award certificate and diploma in horticulture. Some of the produce has been used in the prison kitchen and the rest has been given to the Education Department where cookery teacher Simon Tattersall and prisoners have used it in lessons.

'The quality of the produce is excellent.'

Mr Smirthwaite teaches maths as well as horticulture at the prison. He is also responsible for technical input and planning of the vegetable garden. He said: 'Digging the beds started early this year with the first sowing in March. So far we have about 70 beds but I'd hope to see that expand another 200 over the next four to five years.

Continues

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