<p>The Garnock Valley Allotment Association ( GVAA ) was established in 2009 to allow local people to start up a plot for the purpose of growing their own food and improving their life through horticulture.The cost of living crisis and increased focus on healthy lives means it is more improtant than ever to grow your own. Our membership of over 80 people is made up from Garnock Valley residents and we actively encourage and advertise for others to join. Our committee is made up of members volunteering their time to maintain and improve the site.</p> <p>The GVAA has strong links with the local community. Communal growing space is provided for local community groups such as Cafe Solace and Spike Wheat Scots. Additionaly local schools such as St Bridgets Primary and Garnock Academy are regular visitors to the site growing fruit and vedge, learning about horticulture and completing maintenance tasks. All members are encouraged to donate excess stock such as potatoes, onions, carrots, rhubabrb, herbs, lettuce, turnips etc etc&nbsp; to the local community. We would like to extend this service by producing and distributing honey made from our recently introduced bee colony.</p>

<p>The Community Garden was established during lockdown when we were able to work outdoors and socialy distance.</p> <p>Over the last 3 years we have welcomed many visitors, gained new trustees, work&nbsp;with various groups including the schools, hosting and organising events.</p> <p>We grow produce which goes back to the community helping with the cost of living.</p> <p>We offer teas and coffees and&nbsp;plenty chat as the last three years have had a devastating &nbsp;effect on people&#39;s mental heath and wellbeing.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin-bottom:11px"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">We are looking for funding to help support our Community Larder, which will be 3 years old come November, initially launch as a food bank during COVID and later developing to the Larder model. The funding would be used to purchase an additional upright&nbsp;glass fronted freezer, Countertop Food Display Unit, for the free pastries we receive, lable maker,&nbsp;and Individual Aprons / fleece for our volunteers.</span></span></span></span></p>

<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:10pt"><span style="tab-stops:list 72.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">The Montgomery Court Entertaiment Committee have establised in June 2023 to support&nbsp;Residents and Community members with the opportunity to take part in weekly lunches&nbsp;and activities within Montgomery Court engagement hub.</span></span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align:justify">We hope to gain more participants from the community and began hosting trips for our members.</p>

<p style="margin-bottom:11px"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">We would like to use this funding to purchase a suitable sized Polly tunnel, to erect within our garden, for our service users and the community to reap the benefits.&nbsp;There is limited ground in the Garnock Valley for this and we feel that this is something that we could offer. </span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">&nbsp;Costings for this would include &ndash; The Polly tunnel and groundwork.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p>The She Shed is a safe, friendly place to make friends, share and learn new activities, or just pop in for a cuppa and a chat. Here to support and enhance the well-being of the women in our community.</p>