Over 150 enthusiastic Master Composters and Master Gardeners gathered at Garden Organic’s Ryton Gardens on 15 May 2011 to celebrate achievements and swap ideas.
We’re thoroughly delighted by this first joint conference bringing together volunteers from across the county and across Masters programmes.
“Great to work with people that are so committed”
“Thoroughly enjoyed whole day. Look forward to graduating next year!”
“You have given me more inspiration to share with people in my community”
“A great day, thank you. All speakers excellent and inspirational. Venue and food fabulous.”
| Morning registration was followed by speeches from Margi Lennartsson, Jane Griffiths (pictured far right) and Philip Turvil celebrating the power of volunteers helping local communities to compost and grow their own food. | ||
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| Peter Smithers from the University of Plymouth then shared findings from his Bug Survey of what’s in your compost… and led following workshops. | ||
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| A wonderful array of workshops begun with vigour following a cup of tea… (L to R: Philip Turvil, Gwen Powell, Jane Griffiths) |
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Lunch was followed by Chief Executive of Garden Organic, Myles Bremner thanking volunteers for all their terrific work. Myles went on to introduce Garden Organic’s new peat campaign with guest speakers: Pauline Pears, Margi Lennartsson, Ulrich Schmutz, and RHS’s Paul Alexander. Then followed more workshops and a speakers session with: Emma Marsh (WRAP) (pictured right), Mary Clear (Incredible Edible Todmorden), and Colin Tudge (Campaign for Real Farming) |
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| And not forgetting the wonderful Master Composter and Master Gardener Awards and Graduations – and keenly anticipated cake cutting. (More about Master Composter Awards; more about Master Gardener awards) |
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Huge THANK YOU to everyone involved in the putting together the Master Composter and Master Gardener Conference 2011 – all the organisers, speakers, sponsors, technical, helpers, and of course – volunteers for Garden Organic programmes and beyond – the local champions.
Special thanks to lead organiser and Master Composter project co-ordinator, Gary Marsland, for his tireless efforts for months beforehand and on the day. Marvellous.
We look forward to seeing you everyone again for our next conference.
Click here to see more conference photos (links to our Flickr set)
Click here to find out more about Master Gardeners
Click here to find out more about Master Composters
Story by Philip Turvil
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