Ardentinny Renewables Trust (ART) is not yet a Trust, according to the group’s secretary, Neil Robinson. At the April Ardentinny Community Council meeting he reported that slight changes were to be made to the Constitution which may require a solicitor’s stamp. It was also thought that the group might become a SCIO, i.e., Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation ‘which is a legal form unique to Scottish charities’ (http://www.oscr.org.uk/charities/becoming-a-charity). He said that members will be emailed with the relevant information.
Gardening Plans
At the April Community Council meeting representatives of the Ardentinny Conservation and Heritage Group outlined some of their future plans. One is to provide planters which will offer edible flowers and vegetables along with recipes, with a view to encouraging people to walk through the village, collect recipes and pick and eat. Another is to help older residents with certain garden maintenance tasks which they find difficult to manage, such as, hedge trimming, strimming etc.
There is also Glenfinart Walled Garden, run by Ardentinny Community Trust, which has reopened for its spring/summer/autumn season. It is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays 12.00 – 16.00 hrs and on the first Friday of the month 11.00 – 14.00 hrs. Visitors are also welcome any day the gate is open or, by appointment. All enquiries, requests to visit the Garden and offers of help can be made to Jean on 01369 810075 or Anna on 01369 810238. 
Resident gardener, Franziska, will hold the garden’s latest Masterclass on Herbal First Aid and Healing Plants on 17 April, 12.00 – 15.00 hrs.
Further Community Council Resignation
Since the 5th April Community Council meeting, Councillor Bill Williamson has resigned. This reduces the total number of community councillors to five. It was mentioned at the last meeting that they need more members. If you are interested, the contact details of the current councillors can be found on their website www.ardentinnycc.co.uk/.
Gardener’s Blether – new issue
The new issue of Gardener’s Blether, the newsletter of Glenfinart Walled Garden, can be downloaded here (PDF)
New Community Council Convener and Vice Convener
At the 5th April Ardentinny Community Council Meeting Marian Norris was elected Convener and Neil Robinson was elected Vice Convener. It was also announced that Community Councillor, Dennis Gower had resigned. Chairperson, Marian Norris, expressed thanks for Dennis’ long service to the Community.