On Saturday April 9th the Growing with Grace organic nursery officially launched the start of its 100 day
campaign to raise £150,000 from a share issue
Director Geoff Jackson, who has prepared the paperwork
for reshaping the organisation into an industrial and provident society and the share issue, paid tribute
to those who had helped GWG get to the starting line.
Geoff said:
“A huge amount of work has already gone on behind the scenes so far from both volunteers and
directors but now the race is on to recruit investors to help save and develop GWG to its full potential
as the Centre for Local Food and Gardening. The new directors passionately believe in this
revitalised social enterprise and major steps have already been taken by all our staff volunteers and
customers to set us on the right track. Our delivery scheme has already been reorganised for much
greater efficiency and our new growing plan is underway to ensure quality on site crops to replace
bought in veg. We have had some generous offers of support today and we now need substantial further
investment to help us get to the finish line.”
On the beautiful sunny afternoon about 100 people visited the glasshouses many of whom went on the site
tours which involved compost making, biodiesel production, growing from seed, forest gardening and
permaculture.
The directors and volunteers also had some fun with carrots in the process and all
directors wore something orange to help get into the spirit. The site was decorated with the carrots
of all shapes and sizes including windsock carrots and even carrot bunting.
In the evening a further
60 people attended the official launch in the evening to hear some of the plans for the future from
the new directors of the community co-operative. Local musicians kindly provided free entertainment
for the evening and the whole day involved over 20 volunteers. Geoff Jackson sportingly dressed up as
a carrot and many of the guests wore something orange. A meal was provided prepared from Growing with
Grace's own vegetables and several people had donated cakes and homemade biscuits.
After his fascinating talk on Biodiesel in the afternoon, Eddie Leggett gave a realistic
outline of GWG's prospects for survival.
Eddie said:
“The future depends on local people prepared to
invest time, money or both in the new Growing with Grace. We need local food production to reduce
our dependency on foreign imports and fuel usage and GWG provides an ideal opportunity to get involved.
However, we cannot do this without help and I now urge local people to come forward. Although we cannot
guarantee a financial return on investment we have the right Directors in place to manage the growing,
marketing and financial aspects of this very worthwhile enterprise. We know times are difficult but if
you can spare £100 or a £1000 or a few hours a week please get in touch for further information and
with your help we will create a future that our children will be proud of. ”