a BIG LUNCH!
On Friday 6th June we hosted our 3rd annual BIG LUNCH on the Acre! The lunch has become a highlight of the year as we get to celebrate all those involved in the project from the volunteers who look after the space, the children and families who regularly visit the garden to the parents who attend our parenting courses. As well as celebrating our space2grow community it's a lovely celebration of all the organisations we collaborate with. Everyone bought a dish to share and it was a real feast!
Children from Potters Gate School got a chance to meet the High Sheriff and his wife; Peter & Suzanne Cluff. The school uses the acre regularly as a space for outdoor learning, including a regular afterschool club. The High Sheriff explained the history of the role as the office is the oldest Royal appointment and the children wanted to know all the details! Suzanne very kindly bought along an incredible chocolate biscuit cake to add to the buffet and you can also read about the visit on the The High Sheriff of Surrey's page - HERE. Thank you to all the school staff who made the visit possible.
It was lovely to have so many groups represented as we enjoyed the company of the Hive Helpers, Draw Farnham, Farnham Rotary, The Farnham Maltings, FADEG, Hale Community Centre, The Kings Voluntary Award team and we welcomed new faces to the acre with the National Lottery Community Fund Team and the new Chair of the Farnham Lions both making their first visit. It was a beautiful array of dishes with some delicious home bakes. And we have a request! We loved the coronation chicken dish and would love the recipe! Could whoever bought that along please emailinfo@space2grow.space so we can find out more!
The Lunch fell during National Volunteers week which was apt as so much work went into the build up to the lunch; from the hours and hours of bunting sewing, to decorative garden signs and planted wood piles. The Men in Sheds Team opened their treasure trove of a shed and had recent projects on display. We were also delighted to welcome newly appointed Deputy Mayor Graham White along with his wife Judy as well as local MP Gregory Stafford.
Thank you also to the Farnham Herald who covered the lunch in a piece which sum up the day so well. Click HERE to read.
teen wall of art
The Teen groups created an 'Art Wall' for guests to enjoy which featured words that described their feelings about the space as well as their homemade string baubles decorated with wild flowers. Their weekly sessions in the summer weather have allowed the teens to appreciate all of the garden from pond dipping to raft making and they recently made summer solstice wreaths.
more room for play!
space2play have been very busy in the sunshine, playing with water and snacking on the fruit and vegetables from the garden. The children are becoming braver and more adventurous. They have enjoyed challenging themselves to climb trees, swing in the hammocks and build their own obstacle courses (for the adults too!). Families have really appreciated the labels and signs that the gardeners made. Everyone has been learning something. They have also been learning about ladybirds and now the children and adults can spot the larvae and pupa on the nettles.
We end with a gallery of pictures....Enjoy!
