Community / Growing local produce next focus for Bigton community group
THE REVAMPED Bigton Kirk could end up with a community Polycrub and raised beds by its side – with one fundraiser going the extra mile to raise cash for the project.
Planning permission is being sought for the growing equipment at Hymhus – the new name of the kirk after it was taken over by local group Bigton Collective.
Project officer Theresa Tate said developing growing grounds has always been a big priority for the community group.
“After the feasibility study was completed, it was clear that growing local produce was of huge interest to the local community,” she said.
Local walker Diana Obermeyer then decided to raise funds for the group – and in particular a community garden and growing space.
She walked 500 miles – the equivalent of 19 marathons – in 15 days and 41 minutes.
Obermeyer was unsupported, meaning she took no help in the form of food, accommodation or any other way.
“Unfortunately, because she completed this challenge at the end of the tourist season, finding places that were open was a challenge in itself,” Tate said.
“She ended up sleeping outside in a bivvi bag and often found herself at places that served lunch at dinner time and vice versa.
“Watching her live morning updates on Facebook, became quite addicting for my family.”
The Diana Walks 500 Miles online donations page currently sits at just over £1,500.
In a planning statement the Bigton Collective said from talking to people there is a feeling that interest in growing produce has increased as the cost of living rises.
The group said a community Polycrub would enable it to find ways to grow fresh food that is available all year round, while produce could also support activity in Hymhus.
Any surplus could potentially be sold at an affordable price in the building’s second-hand shop.
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