News from the village of Ardentinny, Argyll, Scotland.
Ardentinny Community Trust has decided not to open Glenfinart Walled Garden to the public this year. This is due in the first instance to the Coronavirus pandemic and, as we progress out of lockdown, in consideration of the lack of resources to manage the necessary contact tracing protocols.
It is hoped that the garden will reopen for Easter 2021.
Ardentinny Community Trust (ACT) held its AGM on 7th January 2020 where it reported on another successful year. Trust Treasurer, Jean Urquhart presented end of year (2018-19) accounts which saw funds stand at £20,709.61, after having invested in an array of necessary fixtures and equipment. ACT Chair, Anna Williamson gave a report on the year’s activity.
In accordance with the Trust’s constitution, two committee members stood down and were subsequently proposed and seconded as continuing members. Following the AGM, Trust member and former founding Chair of the revised Trust, Dennis Gower, submitted his resignation. Dennis was the driving force behind the community consultation, consequent application to buy and successful purchase of Glenfinart Walled Garden, for which the Trust had been revived. He also steered it through pre-purchase fundraising; a Beechgrove Garden project; and continuing project consultations and further fundraising activities, not least winning the equivalent of the garden’s polytunnel at a Dragon’s Den event! It is therefore with regret but grateful thanks that the Trust accepts his resignation.
Current members are as follows:
Anna Williamson, Chair; Lynn Kerr, Secretary; Jean Urquhart, Treasurer and Bill Williamson, Ian Kerr and Jim Urquhart – members.
Glenfinart Walled Garden would not be what it is today without the support of an amazing group of volunteers who, come rain or shine, give their time to the garden each week. As a thank you, the Ardentinny Community Trust trustees this week took the volunteers to visit Calder’s Garden Centre, Erskine where Christmas lunch was served. Well done everybody!
Wedged between two ‘Indian summer’ days, Glenfinart Walled Garden drew the short straw for its annual Harvest Fair on Sunday. However, the rain stayed away for the Quickest Quackers Duck Derby and while calm waters on the River Finart made for slower conditions than last year, it was nail bitingly competitive and made it much easier for the duck collection team to ensure that no-one got away!
Quickest Quacker winners were 1st Henry Williamson; 2nd Lesley Hamilton and 3rd Katie Bleach.
Garden visitors also enjoyed a panoply of stalls and sampled garden produce in tasty vegetable soup and apple juice from the orchard while The Elderly Brothers provided live entertainment in their customary style.
Click photo to enlarge
Marking the end of summer, Ardentinny Community Trust’s Harvest Fair takes place this coming weekend at Glenfinart Walled Garden. With all the usual attractions including LIVE music, pottery demonstrations, coconut shy, Ardentinny’s celebrated home baking and of course the grand finale of Quickest Quackers, there’s lots to do for all the family!
The fun starts on Sunday at 12 noon until 4. Come early!