We started from an allotment plot some 4 years ago, with an idea to reduce social isolation and improve health and well-being. Apart from the allotment, we were homeless until 2016, where we managed to hire for one day a week the local Scouts Hall.

Since then, we have grown into a governed organisation, 5 on the committee, Chair, Vice Chair & Secretary, Editor, Treasurer and members rep, with grant funding and members subs, turning over approximately £7k pa.

We have built powerful alliances with the local (Nailsea & Backwell) Town council, Quartet Community Foundation and in further search of a more solid premises base, SW Lottery and Historic England.

Our Social Impact in achieving our aims is measured by us now reaching a point where we are now having to debate the necessity in having a waiting list to join, we have outgrown our premises!

At the core of our values are equality, equity, participation and well led management. Equality as in being a mixed gendered group 60% men/20% women, we took positive action measures to recruit a lady member to the board who is now the members rep. Equity, fairness, we are accessible to all regardless of income, age, disability. Participation is supported and for members to support the group through committee and voluntary positions within the group.

Well led management, ensuring all the policies, processes, safeguarding, training and further opportunities for learning are met within the group such as one of our members being supported to take a L3 City & Guilds, Portable Appliance Testing Course to not just test our own equipment but to ensure any electrical repairs going out the door, are certified safe at the point of exit..