‘Grow Your Own’ project at Teifi Valley Day Centre
An exciting new project is being planned for Newcastle Emlyn
The project has been designed jointly between older peoples, physical disabilities and learning disabilities sections of Carmarthenshire County Council’s Social Care, Health & Housing Department.
The land to be used is currently a sloped, lawn area at the back of the Teifi Valley Day Centre, Newcastle Emlyn covering approximately ¾ acre. The proposal is to develop six ‘allotment’ size plots (approx. 30×5 yds) for the use of growing fruit and vegetables. Each plot will be worked by a group/association. It is envisaged that these groups will be social care/health service users and all produce will be for their benefit and not for commercial sale. Some plots may be available for individuals. A management committee with representatives of each group will be formed to manage the site, establish terms of reference and form an ‘Allotment Society’ or be affiliated to a local society. Each plot will be rented on an annual basis (£25.00) and worked with agreed allotment rules and regulations.
The project would be entirely self funding, by the users committee, raising finance for equipment and groundwork and also be self sufficient by using rainwater and composting toilets. There is much evidence from government and health experts that ‘growing your own’ has benefits not only for nutrition but also in reducing ‘food miles’. In addition the practical and physical activity increases greater health and wellbeing.
It is hoped that individuals will benefit by growing produce for their needs, developing new skills and environmental practices, and that the local area will benefit by witnessing an exciting new project that will inspire others.
An inaugural meeting has been held with representatives from some interested groups and county council staff and it is hoped to widen interest, particularly from individuals with gardening, organisational and fundraising skills. The next meeting, to develop the project further will be held on Thursday January 8th 2009 at 7.00pm in the Day Centre (behind Holy Trinity Church) Anyone interested should contact:
Vivienne Kincaid, Direct Services Manager
vkincaid@carmarthenshire.gov.uk
Len Saunders, Development Manager
lsaunders@carmarthenshire.gov.uk
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