AFTER being forced apart for so long during the pandemic, plot holders at Over Allotments in Winsford have finally come together for a long-awaited summer barbecue.

Frances Johnson, chairman of the Over Allotments Association, explained how when Covid hit, the events already planned for 2020 had to be cancelled.

And as society slowly started to open up again, plans were put in place for a special event instead of the usual allotment open day.

Frances explained: "My husband said, 'instead of an open day, why don't we have a barbecue for just the plot holders?' because we wanted to help keep the public safe.

"We thought only a few people would turn up but more than half of the plot holders came – we don't usually have that much uptake.

"It was fantastic but we stuck to very strict Covid guidelines."

As well as an afternoon of fun, the event celebrated the lives of those who had sadly died from Covid-19.

"We've lost two of our plot holders to Covid, so it was to celebrate them too," Frances added.

"The day wasn't about making money, it was just about saying 'we're still here'.

"The allotments have been a lifeline for a lot of people during the lockdowns.

"The plots are all separate so people could social distance but still be outside."

Over Allotments are located within a four-acre site off Moss Bank.

The allotments date from 1924, and today there are 60 plots.

Visit overallotments.co.uk.