Case Study: A brand new start for Whitley Bay Community Allotment and Gardens
Whitley Bay Community Allotment and Gardens is looking to attract a different, younger demographic of volunteers by developing a Community Orchard. The group, which has been going for around 12 years, hopes that the orchard will be a focus for local family events like Apple Days, Blossom Days and the ancient ritual of Wassailing, as well as fruit growing courses. As part of Sector Connector, Tyne Met College offered the support of HND Graphic Design students to help the group develop their branding and marketing. The students worked alongside allotment volunteers to develop a logo and posters, as well as selection of fine artwork and ideas to choose from. The group is happy that the work chosen will represent the orchard and help them move forward: “As a small community project there would have been no chance that we could have accessed such a high standard of tailor-made artwork. It will give the orchard a much more attractive and professional brand”. The students enjoyed doing something quite diverse from their normal work and it gave them practical experience with a real client. Their designs are now being taken forward ready for the promotional campaign. The orchard captured their imagination and they have become official Friends of the Orchard with the potential for a long term relationship producing future marketing and publicity for the orchard. For the college, it has helped to build further links with the local community.
