Well, today’s volunteer session wasn’t all cold and misery as you can see.
Our volunteers are a hardy bunch and it takes a bit more than a hard frost, frozen soil and sub-freezing temperatures to put them off. Thanks to Anne for adding a much-needed bit of festive cheer. Otherwise, we would just be a bunch of grumpy old men!
It’s with great sadness that I have to bring you news of the death of Grant Allan, one of our earliest and most popular volunteers. Grant died at the weekend after a period in hospital following a serious fall on a night-out in September. He was 34 years old.
Grant joined the GFAA Volunteer Squad in early August 2016. He had just lost his job due to his work’s closure and, typically, he contacted us because he was determined not to be idle while he looked for work. He quickly established himself as a regular and popular member of the team: he was quick to smile and full of fun.
Grant (on the right)
Grant was profoundly deaf and had been since childhood. He was an excellent lip-reader, however, and had no difficulty in communicating. He loved the outdoors and never shirked hard work. He confessed he was no gardener, but he was very keen to learn, especially as he wanted to be able to look after the garden at home for his Mum.
Left to right: Norman, Grant, Gill and Gordon.
He volunteered with us through 2016 when his health allowed. He suffered a number of accidents, setbacks and injuries over that time, but they never stopped him wanting to help out and give back to others. He also volunteered with CFINE and other charities over this time and was a keen runner and cyclist.
Grant last helped out on site in the Autumn of 2017, just before going into hospital for a cochlear implant. This was a success, allowing him to hear for the first time. He got in touch in May, saying he hoped to be back with us soon as new commitments and activities following his operation allowed.
Grant was a gentle soul, kind-hearted and generous to his core. I am sure that all who met him on site will join me in saying he will be very sadly missed. Rest in Peace, Grant.
A full report of our recent General Meeting will be along soon, but these bits of information were requested ASAP, so here they are.
The James Hutton Institute offers a soil testing service via Hutton Soils (thanks to Bruce Plot 79 for this tip).
The slides from Fiona Swapp’s fascinating talk are available on her blog.
Today, we had the pleasure of welcoming Hazel, our most recent recruit to the volunteer squad, on-site for her first work session.
We had not realised Hazel came with a, “recruit one get two free” deal.
Joining Hazel for the day were her grandchildren, Maisie (aged 8) and Struan (aged 4).
What a team they are, making short work of raking up the leaves on the grass around the Octagon.
Better still, they brought their own good weather with them as the rain stopped on their arrival and the sun came out to say hello.
Hazel hopes to be with us on Saturday or Sunday most weeks as she waits for her name to get to the top of the waiting list for a plot.
Please note the room change!!!!!!
Coffee and cake on offer and maybe even a glass of something fizzy!
Gordon and Mike were good enough to represent GFAA at the Britain Awards Ceremony in Stirling today and pick up our, It’s Your Neighbourhood Outstanding Level Certificate.
Mike and Gordon are regular volunteers now on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and have made a huge contribution to our IYN campaign throughout the year. A big vote of thanks goes to the two of them on behalf of the GFAA Committee and all plotters.
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