A new partnership launched in Slough aims to boost community wellbeing and environmental care by promoting inclusivity, wellness, and sustainable living for local residents.
Slough, 6th November – Yesterday, Keel Drive Allotment Association and Reckitt, a global leader in health, hygiene, and nutrition, came together in an impactful community initiative, showcasing the powerful role of corporate social responsibility in Slough. Through this partnership, the two organisations supported a major refurbishment of Keel Drive Allotment’s indoor venue, created a sustainable composting area, and established a new orchard – all with the aim of enhancing community wellbeing and promoting environmental sustainability. The costs of industrial cleaning machines, PPE, materials and supplies were funded by a seed grant from the Berkshire community foundation (BCF)
Reckitt volunteers contributed with enthusiasm to each aspect of the project, beginning the day with a Zumba warm-up before dividing into three teams. The first team worked on clearing and cleaning the trading hut, thoroughly scrubbing the space to prepare it for new flooring. The second team dedicated their efforts to setting up the composting bays, establishing a practical system that empowers tenants to manage their garden waste sustainably. The third team planted spring flower bulbs around the orchard, which will bring vibrant blooms in the coming seasons.
(Reckitt organise a Zumba warm up before the days hard work)
The establishment of a communal composting area marked a significant step towards sustainable practices. The newly built composting bays will now allow tenants to recycle garden waste efficiently, producing natural fertiliser while reducing the need for landfill. This initiative supports sustainable living practices within the allotment community, benefiting both the local environment and the people who use it.
The Reckitt team hard at work building the first bay of the composting area!
The newly refurbished trading hut!
The collaboration also focused on transforming the trading hut into a welcoming indoor space, allowing tenants to host events, socialise, and combat social isolation. The newly refurbished hut will soon serve as a hub for community activities, workshops, and gatherings, fostering social connections and reducing loneliness among allotment users.
As part of beautifying the site, a new orchard was planted, which will be open for all tenants to enjoy. During a special tree-planting ceremony, Cllr Dilbagh and his wife joined volunteers to plant an apple tree, symbolising a commitment to Slough’s green spaces and marking the beginning of the orchard. This new space will bring beauty to the allotment and offer a therapeutic area for tenants and visitors alike.
Councillor Parmar trying hard not to get muddy shoes whilst planting the first tree!
Charlotte Mayeur, Cllr Dilbagh Parmar and Mrs Parmar (centre), Helen Edwards, Josh Hibbert (left to right)
The day’s efforts exemplified a shared commitment to the local community, and Cllr Dilbagh praised the collaboration, recognising Reckitt’s dedication to supporting Slough residents and Keel Drive’s long-standing commitment to social cohesion.
The refurbishment of the trading hut, creation of the compost bays, and establishment of the orchard are just the beginning of a broader vision shared by Keel Drive Allotment and Reckitt to make a lasting, positive impact on the community. Together, they are working to create a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable environment for Slough.
Agreed Quotes
Cllr Dilbagh S Parmar stated ‘ Thank you for all your efforts. I am grateful to Reckitt, Keel Dive committee and tenants for giving so much time and effort to this event. The tasks completed today are outstanding and will certainly benefit the community with ripple effects on the wider community. They are doing a wonderful job in creating a partnership to promote awareness of the environment, health and uniting the community. Events such as todays bring us closer as a community.’
Chairperson of Keel Drive Allotment, Meeta Nakum stated, “Thanks to Reckitt’s support, we’re revitalising our trading hut and adding new resources that will benefit the allotment and reverberate throughout our borough. Today’s contributions, from cleaning and planting to creation of composting bays and segregation of rubbish bays and orchard development, represent another step toward building a welcoming, resilient community. We’re thrilled to partner with Reckitt in this venture, which highlights the power of collaboration to build a healthier, more resilient community. Today’s event underscores the potential of local and global partners to work together to meet fundamental community needs.”
Spokesperson from Reckitt, Mahrie McLean added, ‘The team were delighted to support Keele Drive Allotment through our ‘Give Time’ initiative, this enables us to use our skills to make a real tangible impact within our local community. Keel Drive Allotments is a key community foundation, that is striving to enable access to a green, sustainable space for the community that supports healthier lives. We were proud of the impact we made on the day and benefited from connecting with each other and the local community, and look forward to seeing our flower bulbs and fruit trees blossom when we hope to return in the spring to continue our community partnership with Keel Drive Allotment’.
This partnership exemplifies how local and corporate partnerships can deliver enduring benefits for community wellbeing and environmental stewardship in Slough. Today’s event marks the beginning of an ongoing commitment by both organisations to support Slough residents by cultivating an environment that champions inclusivity, wellness, and sustainable living.
About Berkshire Community Foundation
Berkshire Community Foundation works across Berkshire to raise, then distribute, money directly to local causes. We operate to ensure any form of philanthropy, whether from an individual or an organisation, is effective and brings greatest benefit to those in need in our local communities.
For more information, please contact:
Keel Drive Allotment – https://kdaa.uk/
Reckitt Benckiser Group plc PR teams – https://www.reckitt.com/media-landing/media-contacts/
Berkshire Community Foundation – www.berkshirecf.org
Keel Drive Allotments 