Bexhill Neighbourhood Gardeners
| Published: 18th December 2007 15:57 |
Who Are We? A Potted History
Bexhill Neighbourhood Gardeners came about from an idea first thought up by the BBC, with the Government backing the idea, for bringing deprived areas together. It was such a good idea at the time that a number of people got together to form Bexhill Neighbourhood Gardeners which then got involved with a run down site at Ingrams Allotments. Unfortunately, at this point the Government pulled out followed by the BBC. As funding was available at this time and with enough money to have a Lecturer from Hadlow College for a year this gave 8 students City and Guilds Level 2 in gardening. Tools and a small shed used up what was left of the funding. A Committee was formed with Nikki Billups as co-ordinator. Due to other commitments some of the members left and John Willis was asked by Nikki Billups to take on the position of Chair which he did and where he enthusiastically remains.
After lots of hard work by the group last year they attended 2 Fetes as well as Egerton Park Green Day which helped raise more funds. They also did some gardening around the town which helped them. Bexhill Neighbouthood Gardeners have now been able to raise funds from East Sussex County Council, Rother Homes and Trafford Trust for various projects which has given them a good start for next year. More good news was had when they received a certificate for Britain in Bloom.
Bexhill Neighbourhood Gardeners are totally organic and St Mary's School have expressed an interest in joining in with the scheme. Discussions about this are in the preliminary stages at the moment. All the hard work commences again on the first Saturday in the New Year 10.00 a.m. - 12.00. At Springtime the group meet on a Tuesday 4.00 p.m. - 6.00 p.m.
They have just had their first AGM and the Committee have all been re-elected.
For anyone wishing to volunteer and become involved, Bexhill Neighbourhood Gardeners are looking for people with all sorts of skills from I.T. to Photographic and from PR to Committee members. Most important of all is, of course, plenty of enthusiasm.
What do we do?
The Bexhill Neighbourhood Gardener Scheme taps into our communities great passion for gardening, involving people of all ages and from all walks of life. It helps to create a network of local gardening experts and volunteers.
Some places where we work
- Working on a local housing estate to improve shared green spaces
- Working with a school sharing learning through gardening
- Creating a garden in a local community centre
- Showcasing gardening skills at festivals across the district
There are 3 elements to the scheme:-
Training to develop horticultural and volunteering skills
Volunteering to identify and work on local gardening projects
Mentoring others to get involved in gardening projects and learn new skills
As many people will be happy to volunteer their time and energy for specific local gardening projects but may not be interested in doing the Bexhill Neighbourhood Gardener training, there will be distinct levels of participation with the highest being the Neighbourhood Gardener. This is a vital role, and only those who have completed the training, donated over 50 hours to community effort and demonstrated other essential qualities will be awarded full Neighbourhood Gardener status. Training consists of a C&G Level 2 horticulture qualification.
However, for those just wanting to get muddy and plant we are happy to have you along too!
We are looking for volunteers aged 16 and above who would like to get involved and improve their skills and knowledge. We particularly welcome volunteers with skills/knowledge in the following areas:
- Landscaping
- Horticulture
- Construction
- Garden and Planting Design
- Information technology
- Administration
- Committee work
- Fundraising
- Art and design
- Publicity
Project
We are reviving an underused and neglected allotment in Sidley by developing an unused corner of the site into a community allotment. The site is on the edge of a housing estate, and has been vandalised and neglected over recent years, leading to abandonment of many plots. Presently there are 16 volunteers involved with developing the community allotment. In time we plan to hold open days where local peole can visit, finding out more about growing and local food production. We aim to have a variety of foods growing, and will plant one quarter of the allotment as an orchard, composed mainly of local varieties. We are particularly interested in encouraging a feeling of local ownership of the project, especially amongst young people.
For further details contact Mr John Willis on 01424-439954 or 07983 737547. E-mail jwwillis@btinternet.com
Bexhill Neighbourhood Gardeners are supported by:
Rother Voluntary Action
Old Bank Chambers
1 Buckhurst Road
Bexhill on Sea
East Sussex TN40 1QF
Telephone 01424 217259 - http://www.rothervoluntaryaction.org.uk/
Charity No. 1117546
