Activity Log 2021

January 2021 –  Appointment of part-time social media support worker. Planning approval for third polytunnel. Zoom subscription taken out. Regular fortnightly zoom meetings established.

February 2021 – Gardens Update padlet notice board set-up to complement whiteboards and noticeboards on site. Additional WhatsApp group set up for coordination of herb growing. Four volunteers training as editors of new website.

March 2021 – Big dig working parties for polytunnel groundwork preparation. Soil testing project in partnership with Transition Buxton, supported by British Science Association, engaged 63 families. Successful completion of Heritage Fund project. New website launched.

April 2021 – Groups working to an agreed sowing and growing plan created in autumn 2020. Potager planting redesigned and sown and planted. Garden Manager supported on  Gardeniser training programme.

May 2021 – Launch of Give Peas a Chance Saturday programme in partnership with Buxton Junior School. Market stall – £250 in donations. Polytunnel delivered. Commissioned drone footage for intro to video. Appointed editor/interviewer/photographer for video showcasing our place in Buxton and the community.

June 2021 – recommencement of face to face workshops for groups fo 12 people, booked in advance: salad growing workshop; herb workshop.

July 2021 – piloted Growing Well programme with people referred by GPs and CVS for social prescribing.  Mix it Up  Festival Fringe event cancelled as Covid-19 peaked again. Workshop – Edible Flowers. Garden Trail weekend opening. Club Acoustic event – live in the Garden. Festival Fringe awards ceremony held on site. Derbyshire Beacon of Hope award.

August 2021 -Workshop – Harvesting. Melissa K-G appointed by British Science Association as East Midlands Community Champion 2021-2022.

September 2021 – Workshop – tomatoes  and tasting. Rotary Autumn Fair.  Duke of Edinburgh award placement began.

October 2021 – second Give Peas a Chance group recruited 13 Y6 pupils. Programme extended as Covid-19 contacts caused cancellation of several sessions. Apple Day event for regular volunteers. First stage invitation to apply for revenue funding from National Lottery Community Fund. Members’ AGM.

November 2021 – Polytunnel 3 in use. Large shed bought and erected. Negotiations on lease pursued with vigour.

December 2021 -Scaffold boards, wood chip and soil improver sourced for new raised beds in Polytunnel 2. Winter Gathering for regular volunteers.