Ventnor Botanic Garden Friends’ Society (VBGFS) are thrilled to have been awarded a £500 grant from the island-based WightAid Foundation. This grant will fund the purchase of new hand tools for the ever-growing and enthusiastic band of gardening volunteers who regularly join the gardening team at VBG. Secateurs, rakes, brooms and barrows are all needed to make the most of this willing workforce.
Last Wednesday, Sally Peake from the Friends and Adam Cooke, VBG apprentice, were invited to join other groups receiving their grants at a joint cheque presentation at WightAid’s head office at Calbourne. Sally told us, “It is so inspiring to hear how WightAid encourages and helps Island businesses to support local charity – money raised on the Island for the Island.” Adam, who has been working at VBG for nearly two years said, “I was amazed at the different projects being funded – great to learn how the Island business community can help improve life for everyone. Our volunteers are so brilliant – we achieve so much more with the extra hands and new tools will really make their jobs easier and more enjoyable”
Volunteers who would like to help at the Garden are encouraged to get in touch, via the Friends’ website at www.ventnorbotanicfriends.org.uk or by phone to Sally Peake (731403). Sally says, “We meet every Wednesday at 10am and are happy to welcome would-be-gardeners with or without experience – there’s a job for everyone. All that you need is strong shoes and a willingness to join in.”
