​The Beginning

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The project started when James Hamilton-Andrews approached the local Parish Council to rent an allotment for growing and supplying fresh vegetables for local people, including himself, who were having to use the food bank.

 

The aim was to provide a space for those who had mental health and physical disabilities.

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James was also experiencing a range of physical disabilities, so he assessed what he was capable of doing in terms of working the garden plot and making it more accessible.

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By using himself as an example, he wanted to show other local people with disabilities how to get involved in horticulture and succeed in living a healthier lifestyle.

 

To date the project is set up as a CIC, with two volunteer directors and a range of other volunteers from the village, and grants awarded from several sources.

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James commented: “It has been important that the Community Garden Plot has been supported from the start by

Action in Rural Sussex with practical advice so that we have been able to form a CIC. I don’t think we would have had the impact we now have without AirS’ advice about all the legal, social and networking side of setting up a community project in a rural setting."

 

James received  a prestigious volunteer award, The President’s Cup , for his outstanding work on the East Hoathly and Halland Community Garden, which was presented to him at a special ceremony with the CLA at

The South of England Show on 8th June 2017.