Pumpkin picking in West Malling at Spadework patch could boost charity's funds

Families are being invited to pick pumpkins at a charity's patch in order to boost the organisation's much depleted funds as a result of coronavirus.

Spadework offers care, support and 'meaningful opportunities' to people with learning and other disabilities.

Spadework's pumpkin patch ready to welcome families
Spadework's pumpkin patch ready to welcome families

But the organisation, like most charities across the county, has seen all its fundraising opportunities disappear overnight as a result of the pandemic, subsequent lockdown and ongoing restrictions.

This October Spadework, which also has a farm shop, garden centre and cafe at its West Malling base, hopes sales at its popular pumpkin patch will be more successful than ever before.

The garden centre and farm shop have now reopened but with the cafe - another vital source of income - expected to remain closed for the time being staff are hoping October's Pick Your Own event will play a big role in recouping some of the lost income, which has had to be bolstered with financial support from the Kent Community Foundation's emergency and resilience support fund.

Pumpkin patches are now opening up across Kent but Spadework hopes its sales will boost the charity's funds
Pumpkin patches are now opening up across Kent but Spadework hopes its sales will boost the charity's funds

Kris Healey, Spadework CEO, said: "Due to the coronavirus pandemic, we have had to cancel many of our events and so the success of our pumpkin event is more important than ever."

The Pick Your Own Pumpkin patch in Teston Road is now open daily between 10am and 4pm until Saturday, October 31. The site is free to visit with pumpkin prices based on variety and weight.

Spadework is not operating a booking system but numbers will be controlled in the patch to ensure visitors and staff can maintain social distancing at all times. For further information please click here.

For more Halloween half term events taking place across the county click here.

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