Category: Ardentinny Community Trust

Ardentinny Community Trust (ACT) is grateful to Virginia Sumsion, Marketing and Events manager, Loch Fyne Oysters, for the opportunity on 19th and 20th May to present an information stall at Fyne Food Fair and sell raffle tickets in aid of the restoration of Glenfinart Walled Garden. It was a very fine event indeed with great food and craft stalls and the interest and enthusiam from the crowds for the Garden project was much appreciated.
The raffle will be drawn this Friday, 1st June, at Ardentinny Village Hall, Soup’n’Sandwiches. Good luck and thanks to those who contributed the marvellous prizes.
Merle Ferguson

The Ardentinny Village Hall was thriving with people and produce, Sat 5th May 2012. They came together for a day of celebration and consultation following the recent purchase of the Glenfinart Walled Garden by the Ardentinny Community Trust, on behalf of the community. As well as locals, the event attracted people from across Cowal including Mike Russell MSP who has been a long term supporter of the project.
Tours of the garden were provided, along with an impressive selection of cakes, made by Anne Morrison, and other refreshments.

Information stalls and resources relating to community gardens and projects provided an inspiring backdrop for discussions about the potential of the historic space as a community asset. Further information about initial plans to develop the garden, through the clearance of a section of the site and the installation of a shed and polytunnel were displayed and Project Officer Hannah Clinch gave a presentation about the garden’s progress to date and some insights into other ‘West Coast’ garden projects.

Dennis Gower, ACT convener raised his glass in celebration of this fantastic achievement for and by the community. Thanks to everyone to date who has made the purchase of the garden possible and please continue to contribute your ideas. More information will follow on new volunteer opportunities in the garden over the summer.

Hannah Clinch.

Two years to the day when two members of Ardentinny Community Council raised the possibility of buying the derelict, hidden walled garden of the old Glenfinart estate, the community has achieved just this. On 28th March this year the title deeds were handed over to Ardentinny Community Trust (ACT) This was just in time for ACT to provide some children’s activities at the Forestry Commission’s annual Easter Eggstravaganza, including the opportunity for children to hang wishes on two apple and two pear trees which will be planted in the garden. Dennis Gower, convener, said “we want to thank all the individuals and organisations who have made the villagers’ wish come true. Special thanks must go to Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Awards for All who have put their faith in us. What we have realised on the way is that this secret garden is welcomed by many people and organisations as a gift for Cowal adding to hope and optimism for the future. We believe people of all ages will benefit from its restoration and use.“

ACT is having an Open Day and Celebration on Saturday 5th May, beginning at 2p.m. including visits to the garden, information, teas and homebaking. A last word from Anna Williamson, Secretary of ACT “We hope everyone will come with their suggestions and wishes as we go forward to the next stage of work to provide a garden of which Cowal people can be proud.”

Merle Ferguson.

Arentinny Community Trust goes bag packing at Morrisons in Dunoon and find that the public mostly know about the Garden project  and are delighted to have it happening in Cowal.  Merle Ferguson provides some tips for future bagpacking…

Having had a great day on Saturday at Morrisons supermarket, Dunoon bag packing for the Walled Garden Funds.:

1. You have to book very far ahead so don’t do as we did and have the actual day sneak up on you, like Christmas does, when you think its ages away.
2. At least 2 months before your allocated date, and before they can organize to do something else that day, ask friends and  villagers  for a couple of hours of their time. We had more than  eight  good people  who would have come (seriously) if they weren’t otherwise booked.
3.  Have  some extra folks in reserve  because someone’s bound to have to pull out on the day.
4.  Don’t put a notice asking for volunteers on the village notice board.  It doesn’t work. Well, would you make the telephone call? Be honest.
5.  Help  your till manager by dressing up  to cheer up those faces looking at you while  queuing (especially the kids). Everyone is actually very patient in the face of  the purse fumbling, card losing, bottle breaking public (just like you and me!)  Next time we are dressing up as  fairies!! (only kidding).
6.  Three hours is the absolute maximum  to pack before taking a break… best to have three – 2hr shifts shared out.  The good bit is that  if anyone need to leave they can do just that without any fuss.
7.  When everyone tells you they’ve read about your project in the local rag and  think it’s just great for Cowal… don’t go kissing them… there isn’t time!
8. Remember to get some coin bags from the Bank and leave plenty more time for counting up the hundreds of pennies.

Merle Ferguson