Welcome to the newly formed Gardening Group!
This is a new group for us, so we are exploring different avenues. Future events are likely to include a trip to the newly opened RHS Bridgewater in Worsley, and other suggestions for activities will be welcomed including flower shows, gardens, garden centres etc. when we are at last allowed to go.
One project is involvement in the Incredible Edible Scheme which was launched in Uppermill in May and two of our members went along to learn more on our behalf.
We have a WhatsApp group for us to keep in touch. We have many gardening experts amongst our members and others who are enthusiastic amateurs and between us we could build a thriving SWI Gardening Group. It seemed an appropriate time to launch this new group during Mental Health Week when we are considering our own well-being as well as that of others and what better way to incorporate Mindfulness and Self Care than being outside!
INCREDIBLE EDIBLE
The Incredible Edible project is an urban gardening project which was started in 2008 by Pamela Warhurst, Mary Clear and a group of like-minded people in Todmorden, West Yorkshire. The project aims to bring people together through actions around local food, helping to change behaviour towards the environment and to build a kinder and more resilient world.
Feedback from the Uppermill Incredible Edible meeting from Alison Blackman:
Jean Philips and Alison Blackman introduced themselves to the group as interested members from Saddleworth WI.
The group is in an embryonic stage of development with lots of ideas and some funding. Its ethos is very much community based, in Uppermill, aiming to introduce people to gardening and growing food. Upcycling materials is an important aspect incorporated in the group’s work.
The group is now meeting each Saturday at the Parish Centre in Lee Street, Uppermill from 10-12. Bring your own trowel at the moment but aiming to provide all materials. The main aim currently is to build some containers from recycled wood (donated pews and pallets) to provide planting beds in an area behind the parish centre. This nationwide scheme is worth supporting and other members who enjoy gardening may also find it a worthy cause to support in their community; as well as providing exercise, mindfulness and a way of interacting with other people.
SADDLEWORTH MUSEUM PLANT APPEAL
Friends of Saddleworth Museum launched a public charity appeal for Saddleworth residents to grow seedlings to be sold for the museum funds.
There were over a hundred plants donated by our members, some of which are pictured here.