Sowing the seeds for the next generation

The aims of Growing Together are to show children where food comes from, develop a love for plants and gardening, stimulate the mind of the less academic child, demonstrate the power of teamwork, help different generations develop mutual respect and understanding.

Tony Athil who runs the school club is hoping to find volunteers.

Assisted by the children from Mengham Junior School, the group will be at various school events during the week. On Friday afternoon they will be at Hayling Hardware and then at Hayling Island Horticultural Society’s spring show at the community centre on Saturday, March 25.

They will be encouraging passers by to plant seeds for tomatoes and various flowers.

Tony and the organisers at Mengham Junior School are happy to show potential volunteers how the scheme works.

Tony said: ‘The scheme is all about learning together, so no great expertise is required, and experts from the Hayling Island Horticultural Society are always on hand to advise.

‘On summer holidays they make weekly visits to water and pick the fruits that the children have planted.

‘All help will be useful and they can find projects for non gardeners.’

The primary school clubs usually meet at lunch time; Hayling College meets on Thursday’s after school finishes.

If you can spare an hour a week from around April to July or longer contact Tony Athill on 023 9242 6049 or on 07710080788 or contact Hazel Phillips on 023 9246 3803 or Bill Biggs on 023 9246 8789. Or email Tony on [email protected]

You can also visit them at Hayling Hardware in the afternoon of March 24 or at the Hayling Island Community Centre from 2pm on March 25.