Slough, Berkshire — Keel Drive Allotment Association (KDAA) has delivered a major community upgrade and year-round programme of activities after securing £1,000 in Round 2 funding from the Berkshire Community Foundation (BCF). Despite the modest award, the Association successfully delivered a project valued at nearly £5,000 through volunteer effort, in-kind support and new partnerships—transforming an underused trading hut into a safer, warmer, accessible indoor space that is now at the heart of community life on site.
From storage hut to community hub
The grant enabled KDAA to prioritise essential renovation works—most notably replacing unsafe, uneven flooring in the trading hut to support older and disabled tenants, and improving the indoor environment by reducing dust and fumes that were triggering allergies and asthma. The refurbished hut is now used for indoor meetings, workshops and informal social events, especially during colder months—saving costs previously spent on hiring external venues. Complete Report
Events, partnerships and growing voluntary capacity
Across the grant period (Nov 2024 to Oct 2025), the improved space supported a lively programme including community events, training sessions and site-wide initiatives. KDAA hosted multiple informal events and workshops, including a corporate wellbeing and “keep fit” event delivered with Reckitt PLC through its “Give Time” volunteering initiative, a bonfire launch event, a fundraising BBQ and quiz, a Slough Borough Council-supported clearance event, a water harvesting session in alliance with Project Sponge, and volunteer training covering Health & Safety, Safeguarding, and Equality & Diversity.
The project also helped expand KDAA’s volunteer base from 12 to 16 active volunteers, with 6 new volunteers joining as a direct result of the activity and momentum created by the improved venue and events programme.
Demonstrable outcomes: reduced isolation and stronger community cohesion
KDAA reports that the Round 2 funding supported the objective of strengthening community cohesion—particularly among older residents. An impact survey (24 respondents from 68 tenants) found that participation in events and workshops helped people feel more connected and less isolated, with particularly strong engagement from those aged 65+.
In total, the work supported by the grant benefited 92 people directly, largely within Slough, and served a diverse community with a strong representation of Black, Asian and minority ethnic residents.
Building momentum: towards devolved status and long-term sustainability
The Association believes the Round 2 project has created a lasting platform for growth. KDAA notes that Slough Borough Council maybe considering Keel Drive as part of a pilot to become a “devolved” allotment site, enabling greater self-management and more sustainable local income generation through activities such as workshops, venue hire and community events.
KDAA’s next priority is to develop the trading hut further into a fully functional community education and wellbeing hub, including improvements such as external cladding, window refitting and digital connectivity. The Association anticipates seeking around £2,000 in follow-on funding to complete the next stage and extend the reach of its community programme.
Notes for editors
- Organisation: Keel Drive Allotment Association (KDAA)
- Location: Concorde Way, Slough, SL1 2XU Complete Report
- Grant: Berkshire Community Foundation (BCF) Round 2 monitoring report; grant award £1,000
- Beneficiaries: 92 people; Slough-based; strong BAME representation
- Website: https://kdaa.uk
Keel Drive Allotments 