The Big Lunch Big Launch :: wasteaction.org.uk

A new community project to help local people get involved in horticulture will be launching on July 18 with a Big Lunch for the people of Penryn and Falmouth, Mabe and Constantine...

The Chyan Community Field recently gained funding through the Big Lottery’s Local Food fund for a new food growing project. The Community Allotment and Apple Press project will offer local people the opportunity to volunteer in horticultural activities.

Chyan was established in 2002 and is a 2.2 acre community garden which has been developed by volunteers and now includes allotments, a sensory garden, willow play area, two wind turbines, strawbale teashed, compost toilets, orchard, and a new community allotment area.

On July the 18th thousands of people across the country will be having a celebration with their neighbours that will echo of the street parties enjoyed for the Golden Jubilee. Last Year Chyan held a Big Lunch in Memorial Gardens in Penryn where over 60 people enjoyed an afternoon of food, music and children’s crafts and this year the party will be bigger. It will be in the spectacular setting of Chyan Community Field near Halvasso and also launching the new Community Allotment project.

The new project is being coordinated by Amelia Lake who also works for the Eden Project and who sustainably manages her own 2 acres of land. Amelia will be responsible for recruiting and supporting volunteers as well as coordinating events and courses at the field.

Amelia Lake says “The Community Allotment and Apple Press project is a great opportunity for people from all backgrounds to learn how to grow fruit and veg organically and enjoy all the facilities of Chyan for free.” Ms Lake added “The project not only allows people to learn new skills in a relaxed and friendly environment in the local countryside it will bring people together and will revitalise community spirit.”

Mark Wheddon, Local Food Programme Manager added:

“It is projects like this that have a wide and lasting impact on the community and we are happy to support them. The Community Allotment and Apple Press marks just the beginning in terms of Local Food grants. With a record £50 million to distribute to various groups we will begin to see a real change in the accessibility of local food right across the country.”

The project intends to provide fresh, local organic vegetables at low cost to local children’s centres to encourage healthy eating. As well as volunteering opportunities on Tuesdays and Thursdays Chyan will be hosting courses on permaculture, apple pruning and others. They will also be pressing their own apple juice and hiring out their organic apple press for hire as part of the project.

The Big Lunch Big Launch will be an opportunity to talk to Chyan members and find out more about its projects. As well as the chance to get a taste of growing in the allotments, explore the site, play in the willow area or sand pit, look around the allotments and wildlife area, there will also be live music, children’s crafts including felt making, Chyan’s produce for sale and a shared lunch.

You are invited to bring some food to share at the event which start at 12:00 and finish after 4:00 on the 18th. Free transport to the field is available from Penryn and Falmouth Penmere train stations at 12:00, please phone to book a place. To find out more about Chyan, how to get there or volunteering go to the website www.chyan.org.uk or email amelia@chyan.org.uk or phone 07583217097