A growing concern celebrates 10 years

GREEN-FINGERED growers are celebrating the 10th anniversary of their successful project.

Whetstone Community Harvest growing cooperative, pictured, has come into its own during the coronavirus lockdown, producing fresh and sustainably grown food every week – and with no queuing for members!

Judith Egan, from the group, said the growers work with tireless enthusiasm with different sustainable growing techniques and new coloured and exciting vegetables.

“Collecting the crop share from the farm is like Christmas every week, coming out with an overflowing bag of green and purple and orange produce in shapes of feathery leaves, chunky root vegetables and luscious green chard and spinach,” said Judith.

“During the lockdown, volunteers have been coming each week to help bring the vegetables from the field and polytunnel, weigh and divide up the harvest and fill the trays with the mounds of produce.

“They have found having such a good outdoor activity a boost, creating a routine in the furloughed weeks of online study and Zoom meetings. Another volunteer has commented ‘how much it has meant to her to come round and pick up her vegetables and get out of the house, and never having to queue or be without’”.

Judith said the 10-year celebration has seen the group “put a shine on our website, celebrate the growers’ efforts and keep up with their fair wages and support all their future growing aspirations.

“As the crop sharers arrived to collect their weekly share today, they reported that they really appreciate the fresh vegetables and wouldn’t have it any other way!” ■■For more details about the group, head to: