I WAS horrified to read of the destruction of so much of the Growing our Future garden at Okehampton College.
I had the pleasure of meeting Beth Hamer and her team a few weeks ago and being shown round the garden. I was hugely impressed by what I saw and heard — a group of young people determined to help our community in many ways but principally by growing things in sustainable and environmentally friendly ways.
The members of St Bridget's Church, Bridestowe, were as sickened as I was to hear of this vandalism and they want to do something to help. We have invited the organiser Beth Hamer and her team to come to our bring and buy plant sale at Leawood on Saturday, May 30 where we they will have an opportunity to talk to people about the project.
They are very much hoping to come but there will be a table anyway where anyone who wishes to help can leave any plants they want to give them to help replace those destroyed by this mindless, destructive act. They are also very much in need of plant pots or containers of any sort in which you can grow things
Growing our Future has a wide remit focussing on the environment, climate change, and the processes related to food and energy, particularly food security. They work not just in the college but in many local primary schools, encouraging the establishment of school gardens.
They also go out into the wider community making use of unused spaces to grow trees and plants.
It is such a worthwhile thing to do and one which the church is very happy to support and encourage. If you would like to help rebuild the project by contributing plants (anything and everything is welcome!) do come along, meet Beth and her team, and give yourself the opportunity of picking up some super plant bargains at the same time — 10am to noon.
Jenny Reynolds
Bridestowe