Launch event Tamar Grow Local CIC

11TH March 2007, Calstock Village Hall This event was held to launch the incorporation of Tamar Grow Local as a Community Interest Company in February 2007. The event was very successful, with about 80 adults attending and many children. It was an opportunity for people to find out more about the organisation, and its aims and objectives, but also give their views and ideas about what TGL should do, and get involved. A number of case studies were provided on similar projects, including short films on the Community Supported Agriculture at Stroud and the Dorset Food & Land Trust. Comments were also put forward on the specific proposal for a community allotment/ orchard, and a number of possible locations were put forward, as well ideas on what should be provided. Activities for children were also popular, including scarecrow making and drawing the biggest community garden picture. Locally sourced refreshments were also provided by Food Dreckly. Some of the suggestions put forward included; • Growing site needs good access and water • Needs to be within walking distance from village • Start collective for selling surplus to caterers, shops, etc • Good locally distinctive products for quality produce • Local box delivery • Encourage people to buy more than food locally • Get Sunday Buses to stop at farm shops • Shared plot for families and children to get involved • Areas for children, also space for courses and perhaps community facilities like an earth oven • Local produce shop run on a co-operative basis probably in St. Anne’s on the top main road • Community washing lines and kiddy romping areas • Space for chickens • Community wheelbarrow scheme as they do for cycles in Holland • Swimming pool • Community Composting Coming soon... Whats next? • Introducing a membership scheme • Secure land and set up community growing plots and orchard in the Calstock Parish, in partnership with others • Develop an orchard tree nursery in partnership with MoorTrees • Work with local schools on an education programme to coincide with the Year of Food & Farm • Providing support to landowners to develop orchards • Events programme • Start collaborative research programme with University of Plymouth and partner organisations