Things are looking up!

Things are looking up this week. We have new crop-sharers joining, and we are excited about what changes the AGM might bring — this Sunday, 14th June, at 2pm (come at 1pm if you'd like lunch!).

If you'd like to help with the workday before hand, please arrive at 9am. If you are not a part of the volunteer Whatsapp group, email committee@communityharvest.co.uk to be added. Otherwise, ping a message over in the group to let us know you're coming.

As we look back on what we have achieved in only 2 months, it is remarkable. As many of you know, we faced an incredibly difficult start — but we gritted our teeth and set our minds to the task at hand. We have literally and metaphorically been through rain and shine (and a lot more), and when we reflect on the fact that we have made it to this milestone, we are very proud. Most people would not have had the determination to continue. It has brought many of us closer as a community.

A Personal Note of Thanks

I (Aaron) would like to add some personal credits to this letter to ensure that the people who have kept this project running are properly acknowledged. I invite you to send any words of encouragement you might have to them personally, also (whatsapp, email, whatever).

Karen has shown herself to be entirely trustworthy and an absolute stalwart of this community. She stepped up to the Treasurer role at an extremely difficult time and has got things in order. She has tirelessly committed herself to the community, consistently lifting us up when we are struggling, and putting an inordinate amount of hours and energy into the physical work. I first realised she was a person of excellent character when we were all exhausted after a day in the field. Things had slowed down and we were looking at a pile of bags filled with stones (to weigh down the nets). I walked away for a breather, and Karen grabbed hold of two of these bags (20kg each) with sheer determination written on her face. It was then I knew we were in good hands — and that has proven to be the case. Karen is an incredible asset and is absolutely humble about the amount of energy and effort she has put in.

Judith is one of the most vibrant, positive, thoughtful, and encouraging people I have ever come across, and she has unfathomable levels of energy. Recently, she dug every single root out of the brassica plot and genuinely did not slow down. This is only one example of the kind of total commitment she has shown to getting the job done. She is thoughtful and hilarious, and has a willingness to engage with the community that is difficult to find in the world. Every encounter with her is encouraging, and she is absolutely inspiring.

Hannah's reputation as a vegetable grower precedes her across the city, and it is outstanding. She is undoubtedly the hardest worker I have met in my 37 years on earth. She has held together Community Harvest Whetstone in the past few months and has consistently shown up, no matter the pressure. Where others would have walked away, she has continued. It may not be as well recognised, because this is not a physical mountain, but she is the Junko Tabei of the vegetable world. She is also a passionate advocate for fairness. She represents the underdog, always has time to listen, and is an absolute representation of getting things done against the odds.

I would also like to say thank you to all of our other volunteers who contribute. Every single one of you gives time and energy to come and support, and it does not go unnoticed. Thank you!

Looking Ahead

As we enter this new phase, we invite members to join in with not only crop-sharing — which is a wonderful thing — but also being a part of what CHW will become. This doesn't stop here. This is only the beginning of a brilliant future. Over the past months, we have networked with various people, had conversations about what CHW's future could look like, and will be moving forward with as much determination as ever towards becoming a part of a larger community of growers in the Midlands and beyond.

Ways You Can Help

Volunteering: This is a huge one. The more volunteers we have, the more we can get done. We will be putting things in place to help with the organisation of a larger number of volunteers over the coming year. You get to be a part of the central community and help with what's happening on the farm.7

Donations: If you cannot give time but can afford to offer financial support, we warmly accept donations. These are possibly the largest contribution to our sustainability at the moment. This is not passive help — giving money is being an active part of the community. You can set up a standing order using the bank details you already have, or email committee@communityharvest.co.uk for any details.

Sharing social media posts: This might seem like a small thing, but the more people who see CHW, the more will join, and the more we can do as a result.

Asking friends and family to join: This is an easy one. If you hear anyone is interested, send them to communityharvest.co.uk/join — there is a 4-week trial for anyone who wants to give it a go.

Taking ownership of projects: If you have ANY ideas at all for something you could help with, contribute to, or take on, you can get involved by emailing us or taking part in our Skills Survey. We welcome all offers of help across all areas and will find somewhere for your ideas to fit in.

Speaking up: Whether it is words of encouragement, ideas for improvements, or just bouncing thoughts around, we welcome everyone to be engaged in a conversation about how CHW can best serve its purpose, what it can become, and how we can address some of the issues we see in the world immediately around us and beyond.

Standing for the committee: You can stand for the committee and help to take on some of the administrative decisions. Any help in this area would be particularly welcome — and THANK YOU to those who have already put themselves forward. The more people we have to share in decisions and movement forward, the better.

We look forward to seeing you on Sunday — until then, have a great weekend!

Thank you!

Aaron
Chair, CHW