Page 63 - ALG Issue 4 2017

assistance and advice from the NSALG, it was agreed that our seasonal surplus, sold ‘with all proceeds going back to support our projects’ was not bene tting anyone individually and was in the spirit of the original Act.
Surplus crops are offered free of charge to visitors on a ‘swap and share’ station, and members are encouraged to ‘grow a row’ where crops are donated to local care homes. Members also support the local Rhymney Valley foodbank with the site acting as a drop off point for donations of tinned goods.
There is further training for members, all funded by outside agencies and include beekeeping, rst aid, health and safety, and candle-making.
The efforts have resulted in a more stable footing for the group going forward, a more accessible and welcoming site with new
and improved facilities, and the income streams allow offset of increasing costs such as water, insurance etc, resulting in low plot fees, and even a few savings through better water management etc. The biggest bene t has been a more motivated membership, enthusiasm to volunteer time and expertise to projects, and sharing of knowledge and skills with new and potential members.
This summer, the group have been out to local events with their mobile beehive, and a range of other educational materials, and won 2nd prize for ‘Best Stand in Show’ at the Bedwellty Agricultural Show.
Their pro le received a serious boost when they were approached by ITV Wales to interview members about why they loved gardening. This programme went out on August 8th and the national weather for Wales was also broadcast live from the site, showing off the glorious runner beans and sun owers.
Shingrig Allotments can be found at www.shingrigallotments.org, on Twitter at @Shingrig_lotty, and on Facebook.
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it were not for the dedicated contributors that write regular articles. Your experience and knowledge is invaluable. Thank you, and keep them coming!
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• I’m not the best writer... Don’t worry. We have a dedicated editorial team that will (if needs be) edit, grammatically proofread and spell check your article prior to print.
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ALLOTMENT & LEISURE GARDENER • Issue22017
Inside: Shield/NAS Photo Competition – p14 The NAS and what we do – p38 • Survey – p42
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