Welcome to Give, Gain, Grow - Gosport Community Group's Website
Give, Gain, Grow - Growing Produce for use in the Gosport community.
Who are we?Give, Gain, Grow - We are a friendly and welcoming group of volunteers, with the main collaborative aim to develop and maintain a community allotment garden for the benefit of everyone in the local area.
Previously, we were Gosport Community Gardeners, but we are now simply known as Give, Gain, Grow. We encourage local people to join our diverse, all-inclusive group and strongly encourage any members of the local community to get involved! We are based at Rowner Allotment site in the local South coastal town of Gosport, Hampshire. We hope to help reduce social isolation, encouraging community inclusion, participation and to promote overall well-being. Remember, we can work stronger, together. To find out more about our project please click here On occasion, we also work with other local organisations and groups to provide volunteering opportunities that can benefit the whole community. We do this by the facilitation and running of community-led projects in the local area. Our Main Aims and Core Values We encourage all of our members to be interested in or passionate about: - The environment and reducing the impact of climate change - Sustainability by re-purposing or re-use, compost and recycling waste - Learning new skills - Encouraging the whole community to take part - The idea of self-sustainability by growing your own produce, which in-turn also means... - Reducing waste #GosportCommunityGardeners ~ #GrowingInGosport ~ #GrowingTogether - When?Times will vary, depedning on the community project we have on the go at any one time. It may be over weekdays or weekends, but please note we are always on the lookout for new people to join us!
- Where?Plot 10a at Rowner Allotment Site, Gosport, Hampshire, PO13 0BE.
The main entrance is just off Green Crescent / Phoneix Way Stay in touch... Follow and Like us on Facebook...
You can follow and like Give, Gain, Grow on Facebook here
We regularly keep you updated and lots of great gardening ideas, tips, guides and other interesting posts... |
We have re-branded, simply as: Give, Gain, Grow
Click the logo above or banner below to find out more...
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If you want to find out more about us, please make sure you see our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/gosportcommg
Latest News & Updates...
We have re-branded, simply as: Give, Gain, Grow
To better reflect the main purpose of our group - a friendly, lively and passionate group of volunteers with the main objective to help grow and produce quality produce at our allotment and give back to the local community. Because of this, We WERE Gosport Community Gardeners, but we are NOW Give, Gain, Grow - Growing Good Food in the community for Gosport.
Remember, from now on we are simply: Give, Gain, Grow (formerly known as Gosport Community Gardeners).
Remember, from now on we are simply: Give, Gain, Grow (formerly known as Gosport Community Gardeners).
Winter Update from Plot 10a... February 2024
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Winter on our allotment means sowing new seeds in the polytunnel, tidying up the beds in the main section - all ready to start growing for the new season come the Spring time.
Here are some photos just to keep you updated... 
February 2024 - New seeds being planted in the Polytunnel and general growing bed maintenance.
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February 2024 - Tidying up the plot, ahead of growing new plants for Spring...
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November 2023 - A *BIG* warm heart-felt Thank you to Co-op Members and the Co-op Community Fund
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We are delighted to share with you the fantastic news of the funds raised and a huge *THANK YOU* to all of you lovely Co-op Members out there in the Gosport area who helped us raise money and support us by choosing us as your local good cause, as part of the Co-op Foundation for Community Groups.
To the right is a photo of our representative receiving the cheque. For further information and to consider us as your choice of local good cause to support with the Co-op Community Fund, please see our page here: membership.coop.co.uk/causes/74164 
Co-op Community Fund Poster
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Gosport Community Gardeners receiving the cheque from Co-op Community Fund, November 2023.
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Late Autumn Update - November 2023
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Late Autumn on the allotment - despite the very rainy weather on Tuesday 14th November, members of our group and those also from Gosport Allotment Holders and Gardeners Association & Bridgemary Library Gosport, managed to get to the allotment and pick some veg for Fresh Friday. We also did some general gardening, along with enjoying some freshly made soup by Sarah!
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Late Autumn Allotment Photos from November 2023.
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Summer 2023 - June update: Growing Sessions - Harvesting Veg...
We are delighted to see that members from our earlier Growing course are carrying on with their growing veg journey with us - the last Tuesday in June, where they also helped out clearing one of the flower beds.
They collected a large pot of potatoes which they took home for tea. From the allotment, to the plate. Exactly the positive results what we wanted to achieve with this course!
> Here are some photos...
They collected a large pot of potatoes which they took home for tea. From the allotment, to the plate. Exactly the positive results what we wanted to achieve with this course!
> Here are some photos...
Growing Group Sessions - Volunteer in June 2023
Growing Group Sessions - Volunteers harvesting potatoes, June 23
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Growing Session Volunteer helping clear old plants for new ones!
Growing Group Sessions - Volunteers enjoying work at the allotment, June 23
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Spring 2023 - April update on our recent Introduction to Growing sessions
Following on from our Growing Course sessions the past month, Volunteer Co-ordinator, Graeme has been very busy keeping these plants safe in the polytunnel.
The results have been a great success and we wanted to share these photos of the growing courgettes tomatoes and chillis
Thanks to everyone who took part in these sessions and a big thank you to Graeme for all your efforts..
We are hoping to continue group sessions in the very near future.
The results have been a great success and we wanted to share these photos of the growing courgettes tomatoes and chillis
Thanks to everyone who took part in these sessions and a big thank you to Graeme for all your efforts..
We are hoping to continue group sessions in the very near future.
Tomato, Courgettes and Chilli Plants growing in the polyunnel - April 2023.
Tomato plants growing in the polytunnel - April 2023.
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 Courgette plants growing in the polytunnel - April 2023.
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Action for Happiness Calendars 2024 - positivity and inspired ideas for every month of the year!
Here we will feature Action For Happiness Calendars each month.
With daily inspirational ideas, promoting more positivity, kindness and awarenes and being happier, kinder, together - they can really help boost your mental and physical health and wellbeing.
- Attribution: (All Action for Happiness Calendar images featured here are courtesy of actionforhappiness.org/calendars)
With daily inspirational ideas, promoting more positivity, kindness and awarenes and being happier, kinder, together - they can really help boost your mental and physical health and wellbeing.
- Attribution: (All Action for Happiness Calendar images featured here are courtesy of actionforhappiness.org/calendars)
Active April 2024
This month it is 'Active April'.
Find new or different ways to get moving and helping you to stay active and healthy.
"Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live." ~ Jim Rohn.
Find new or different ways to get moving and helping you to stay active and healthy.
"Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live." ~ Jim Rohn.
'Active April' 2024 Calendar - courtesy of Action For Happiness.
Mindful March 2024
This month it is Mindful March.
Modern life can be frantic busy and sometimes maybe even overwhelming - take a moment to press pause, reflect, breathe and notice, so we can respond more mindfully.
"The best way to take care of the future is to take care of the present moment." ~ Thich Nhat Hanh
Modern life can be frantic busy and sometimes maybe even overwhelming - take a moment to press pause, reflect, breathe and notice, so we can respond more mindfully.
"The best way to take care of the future is to take care of the present moment." ~ Thich Nhat Hanh
'Mindful March' 2024 Calendar - courtesy of Action For Happiness
Friendly February 2024
The theme this month: 'Friendly February' - be friendly to others and give your relationships a boost.
"The best way to cheer yourself up is to cheer someone else up." ~ Mark Twain.
"The best way to cheer yourself up is to cheer someone else up." ~ Mark Twain.
'Friendly February' 2024 Calendar - courtesy of Action For Happiness.
Happier January 2024
It's the start of a brand new year and the theme is 'Happier January' - Let's start this new year happier.
"Be the change you wish to see in the world." ~ Mahatma Gandhi.
"Be the change you wish to see in the world." ~ Mahatma Gandhi.
'Happier January' 2024 Calendar - courtesy of Action For Happiness.
Last Year's Action for Happiness Calendars (2023)
Do Good December 2023
The theme for this month is 'Do Good December'. We are encoraging everyone to carry out small acts of kindness. They all add up!
"The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the greatest intention." ~ Kahlil Gibran
"The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the greatest intention." ~ Kahlil Gibran
'Do Good December' 2023 Calendar - courtesy of Action For Happiness.
New Ways November 2023
The theme for this month is 'New Ways November.' This is all about encouraging everyone to try something new.
And to kick off the month - maybe make a list of new things you might try to do this month..
"Just try new things. Don't be aftaid, step out of your comfort zone and soar." ~ Michelle Obama.
And to kick off the month - maybe make a list of new things you might try to do this month..
"Just try new things. Don't be aftaid, step out of your comfort zone and soar." ~ Michelle Obama.
New Ways November 2023 Calendar - courtesy of Action For Happiness.
Optimistic October 2023
The theme for this month is 'Optimistic October'. Look at taking positive actions to Take actions to focus on what really matters.
"Choose to be optimistic. It feels better." -- Dalai Lama.
"Choose to be optimistic. It feels better." -- Dalai Lama.
Optimistic October 2023 Calendar, courtesy of Action For Happiness.
Self Care September 2023
The theme for this month is 'Self Care September' - remember self-care isn't selfish behaviour, it is essential!
"Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love." -- Brené Brown.
"Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love." -- Brené Brown.
Self-Care September 2023 Calendar, courtesy of Action For Happiness.
Altruistic August 2023
The theme for this month is 'Altruistic August' - Let's create a wave of kindness to spread around the world.
"Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness." -- Seneca.
"Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness." -- Seneca.
Altruistic August 2023 Calendar, courtesy of Action For Happiness.
Jump Back up July 2023
The theme for July is 'Jump Back Up July' - Let's find ways to bounce back!
"Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again." ~ Nelson Mandela
"Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again." ~ Nelson Mandela
Jump Back Up July 2023 Calendar, courtesy of Action For Happiness
Joyful June 2023
The theme for June is 'Joyful June' - Let's look out for what's good in this world and celebrate it!
"Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day." ~ Alice Morse Earle
"Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day." ~ Alice Morse Earle
Joyful June 2023 Calendar, courtesy of Action For Happiness.
Meaningful May 2023
The theme for May is 'Meaningful May' - Let's try and find ways of being part of something bigger...
"Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does." ~ William James.
"Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does." ~ William James.
Meaningful May 2023 Calendar, courtesy of Action For Happiness.
Active April 2023
April's theme is 'Active April' - looking at ways to get moving and to stay active and healthy.
"Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live." ~ Jim Rohn.
"Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live." ~ Jim Rohn.
Active April 2023 Calendar, courtesy of Action For Happiness.
Mindful March 2023
March's Theme is 'Mindful March' - Let's pause, breathe and notice, so we can respond more mindfully.
"The best way to take care of the future is to take care of the present moment." ~ Thich Nhat Hanh.
"The best way to take care of the future is to take care of the present moment." ~ Thich Nhat Hanh.
Mindful March 2023 Calendar, courtesy of Action For Happiness.
Friendly February 2023
February's theme is - 'Friendly February' - be friendly to others and give existing relationships a boost!
"The best way to cheer yourself up is to cheer someone else up" ~ Mark Twain.
"The best way to cheer yourself up is to cheer someone else up" ~ Mark Twain.
Friendly February 2023 Calendar, courtesy of Action For Happiness.
Happier January 2023
Let's start the new year happier! :) Yes, the theme is 'Happier January'
"Be the change that you wish to see in the world." ~ Mahatma Gandhi
Happier January 2023, courtesy of Action For Happiness.
We are featured on the Co-op Community Pages - December 2022
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Gosport Community Gardeners are a featured group on the Co-op Foundation for Community Groups online portal here:
co-operate.coop.co.uk/groups/gosport-community-gardeners/ Clcik on the link above or the picture here to find out about how you could support us through volunteering with the group on this page. |
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Our brand new Polytunnel arrives... November 2022
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We are excited to announe the arrival and installation of our new Polytunnel! It replaces an old one which had seen better days, but rest assured this has gone to a loving new home, donated to a local good cause who were looking to develop their own garden space.
Our new polytunnel means we can accomodate more growing space for new volunteers to enjoy in the new year. Here are some photos... (click on any thumbnail to see larger image.) |
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Allotment site housekeeping and maintenance (August 22)
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Our Chair person, Catt has been busy doing some general housekeeping and maintenance. Tidying the shelter up, moving larger plants inside away from the hot sun for the time-being, weeding the flowerbeds, putting up some wire mesh shading up for privacy on the fence next to the public walkway. Also, a gazebo has been set up while we are having this hot weather. We want to add - what a superstar Catt was for working on the allotment on such a hot day too!
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We present our very first on-line video guide series: 'Weeds and Seeds' (August 22)
We are proud to present our very first on-line video guide: Weeds and Seeds, a series of videos explaining the importance of both. Our very own superstar Chair person, Catt B. will feature in all of these videos. Remember, this guide is also applicable to gardens too.
Part 1: Weeds and Seeds Video Guide - here, Catt has gone to the allotment on (possibly) the hottest day of the year (13th August 22) where she shows us how to remove weeds, the best tools for the job and highlighting the need to remove all parts of the weeds roots, inlcuding taproots - make sure to get these out and bin them for compost.
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Part 2: Weeds and Seeds Video Guide - Catt standing in front of our wonderful Sunflowers, this time she will be talking all about seeds, explaining the differences between buds, flowers and seedheads. Polinators play a crucial role here - important for any thriving garden or allotment. saving seeds for planting next year and more.
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Part 3: Weeds and Seeds Video Guide - Catt explains about Poppy seeds, tomatoes, pumpkins, sweet peas and more...
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June 2022 - Allotment volunteer brings in his first harvest...
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We are delighted to share one of our own volunteer's positive experiences with us since he began working on our allotment in late May...
Naval Marine Engineer and newcomer community gardener, Ratu has been growing vegetables at the plot. Ratu wanted to contribute something back to the community when he was on shore leave. In his own words: “Its been very fullfilling harvesting and sharing. Along the way, I have met fellow gardeners too, friendly indeed. So I thought to share some pics of my first harvest.” Ratu has been a great help on the allotment and it's great that he is getting so much out of it. Our thanks to Ratu for his help and for this lovely testimonial on his first harvest. |
Gosport Community Gardener, Ratu enjoying his first harvest on the plot - June 2022
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May 22 - Climate Café #Plant and Share event at Privett Pavilion, Gosport - Friday 20th May 2022
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Here are some photos from the Gosport Climate Cafe Plant and Share event earlier today with our very own Chair, Catt and Volunteer Co-ordinator, Graeme on the plant stall...
Not the best weather but still had a good turnout and raised some much needed funds for the group... <3 |
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May 22 - A Fantastic up-cycled Wreath kindly donated by Sparkle Wreaths & Decor to Gosport Community Gardeners
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We have just had this superb fantastic all Gardening-related Wreath made for us by the lovely Sam at Sparkle Wreaths & Decor - thank you so much!!
It is a completely hand made and upcycled and repurposed garden hose making the centre of the wreath and we now have it hanging in pride of place on our Allotment shed door, and we think looks really great. -- click on any thumbnail to see a larger image... |
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March 22 - Spring is on its way... New photos from the allotment
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Spring is on its way... some great new photos from our plot at Gosport Community Gardeners allotment - and a big thank you to Rachel Smithers for these fantastic photos! 🌱 🌿 💚 🙏
... our animal friend, Mrs Fox is back too! 😅 🦊 -- click on any thumbnail to see a larger image... |
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Gosport Allotment Association - Grow in Gosport Scheme re-starts January 2022
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Gosport Allotment Association have a new project re-starting that teaches people how to grow their own vegetables and has now launched again on Saturday mornings, 10am to 12pm at Brockhurrst Allotments in 2022.
People who sign up will turn up at Brockhurst Allotment site on a Saturday morning where Jim More, Growing In Gosport Project Lead, will demonstrate digging, sowing, planting, feeding etc. to which everyone gets to take part and best of all they get to eat what they grow. Please note - this project is only based at the Brockhurst Allotments, at least for to start with anyway... There is a cost for season-long training, which is £25 per person. There are further details on the poster opposite and on the Gosport Allotments website: www.gosportallotments.co.uk #GrowingInGosport |
Growing In Gosport scheme re-starts in 2022
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Winter 2022 update on the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and how this affects us all...
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Because of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, our main priority as a community focused group is to ensure the safety and and well-being of all of our volunteers and to also keep you up to date here with any new developments as circumstances change.
At this time with an increase of Covid-19 cases because of the Omicron variant, the allotment plot will be closed for rgular group sessions. Only some restricted, pre-arranged visits are still going ahead but with sensible safety precautions in place (i.e. all volunteers to use the hand sanitizer on-site and to also maintain a sensible distance from one another). We really do hope to re-introduce our weekly group sessions again, as soon as it will be safe to do so. Remember these three simple actions are recommended to help keep everyone safe and protect one another, whether in an outdoors or indoors setting:
Give Gain Grow Committee members have continued to meet safely by having regular meetings on the Zoom and Google Meet video platform. For the latest updates and guidance about Coronavirus restrictions and information, visit: www.gov.uk/coronavirus - About the Covid-19 NHS App: This is a useful resource for any smart phone users. The app can help protect you and your loved ones, using your phone's built-in Bluetooth technology to see if you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for Coronavirus. Full information can be found here: covid19.nhs.uk To download this app for your device, follow the links below:
Covid-19 - Trust only official sources for information... We urge you to only trust information from the following official sources to avoid any misleading or incorrect information as there can be a lot of mis-information going around, especially on social media platforms. - Official trusted websites are as follows:
- Other Coronavirus resources: Official UK Government advice: How to stay safe as a volunteer: www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-how-to-help-safely--2/coronavirus-how-to-help-safely |
Above: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Support information for Gosport Residents - courtesy of Gosport Voluntary Action, Gosport Borough Council & Hampshire County Council.
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Action For Happiness - Mindfulness Action Calendar: March 2020
Each month, we will be sharing a different Action Calendar for Mindfulness, courtesy of Action For Happiness.org - the calendars all contain an inspiring quote plus some simple everyday things we can do or think about that can give you that inspiration or motivational lift that we all sometimes need in everyday life...
(image and content below is courtesy of actionforhappiness.org/calendars)
- This month's theme is: Mindful March 2020 - daily actions for you to spread a bit of goodness across the world.
(image and content below is courtesy of actionforhappiness.org/calendars)
Action Calendar: March 2020 - content and image is courtesy of www.actionforhappiness.org/calendars
Gosport Community Gardeners: Allotment site being upgraded over Winter 2020...
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Gosport Community Gardeners Allotment site will be temporarily closed throughout the Winter 2019/2020 - due to the Coronavirus outbreak, the re-opening of the allotment has now been postponed until later in the year or possibly pushed back to early 2021.
Exciting new construction work has begun on site with the very generous help of volunteers from the National Grid which will be a complete overhaul of the allotment, introducing some fantastic new features including a new shelter building, new polytunnels, more accessibility for disabled users with a new wheelchair-friendly pathway and easier to reach planting beds for those with physical disabilities. We will re-open the allotment to all volunteers with a grand re-opening possibly sometime later this year or early 2021. If you want to join the Gosport Community Gardeners group as a new member or for any other enquiries, please get in touch via e-mail: [email protected] for more information. |
GcG Allotment site is being upgraded and will be closed over Winter 2019, but re-opening late 2020 or early 2021.
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How to Feel Your Feelings...
How to feel your feelings poster... image and content below is courtesy of the Everyday Mindfulness Twitter page, and Emily McDowell.
How To Feel Your Feelings - poster by Emily McDowell.
IMPORTANT: New Contact Phone Number for Give Gain Grow Community Group
From 19th September 2019, the new phone number for Give Gain Grow is: 07426 494118 - please take note of this new number as this is what will be using from now on.
Saturday 8th June 2019 - Gosport Community Gardeners Plants raise funds for the group
Gosport Community Gardeners group would like to thank members, Rachel and Laura who did a plant sale at St. Mary's Church, Rowner earlier today and were able to raise a fabulous £81.61 towards funding the group.. Well done indeed!
Monday 27th May 2019 - Our Spring Community Allotment Open Day was a blooming success...
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We had a great day for the Gosport Community Gardeners' Spring Community Allotment Open Day and we were so proud of how the allotment was looking today thanks to all the volunteers' continuous hard work - it just wouldn't happen without you!
Members of the group met with the general public and showed them our community allotment plot at Rowner Allotments on Monday 27th May 2019. We managed to raise £89 from generous donations which will help our fund to pay for shed repairs following a recent break-in at the allotments. |
Here are some photos from the Gosport Community Gardeners' Open Day...
Click on any thumbnail for a larger image: |
News Update: National Grid Ventures Supporting Give Gain Grow's Talking Heads Group: April 2019
The group have been very fortunate to have gained the support of The National Grid in the issue of combatting loneliness in Gosport.
For members attending our Talking Heads Social Group who are unable to access public transport either through limited mobility or disability issues and you would benefit from attending our Talking Heads group, then please contact us to arrange transport for you. Talking Heads meet at Caffé Lee and Gosport Discovery Centre - please check our website and Facebook page for times and dates each month.
It helps if we have as much notice as possible if you need a lift, so don’t delay and call about Talking Heads Group today on 07426 494118.
For further details and registered information on the UK operating companies within the National Grid group please visit :www.nationalgrid.com/group/about-us/corporate-registrations
For members attending our Talking Heads Social Group who are unable to access public transport either through limited mobility or disability issues and you would benefit from attending our Talking Heads group, then please contact us to arrange transport for you. Talking Heads meet at Caffé Lee and Gosport Discovery Centre - please check our website and Facebook page for times and dates each month.
It helps if we have as much notice as possible if you need a lift, so don’t delay and call about Talking Heads Group today on 07426 494118.
For further details and registered information on the UK operating companies within the National Grid group please visit :www.nationalgrid.com/group/about-us/corporate-registrations
Wear a Hat Day - Friday 29th March 2019 Fundraiser for Brain Tumour Research
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Give Gain Grow volunteers and the Gosportarians, along with Gosport Mayor - Diane Furlong were all out and about today helping to raise money for Brain Tumour Research charity, celebrating National Wear A Hat Day in Gosport High Street. The weather was fanastic and the people of Gosport were very generous in their donations and we are pleased to announce we raised over £100 for the charity.
#WearAHatDay #fundraising #gosport |
Click on any thumnail to see a larger image:
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Friday 29th March 2019 - A Fond Farewell to volunteer and Chair of Give Gain Grow, Chris Fernie...
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It would be fair to say that Chris Fernie, GGG Chair up until the end of March 2019, devoted a great deal of time and effort in her role with Give Gain Grow. We thank her for all her hard work over the past few years and all the volunteering hours she put in at the allotment with Gosport Community Gardeners Group. The group surprised her today with a photo cake, signed card and a present today at Gosport Discovery Centre to wish her well on her future adventures and hope she enjoys a well earned retirement - all of the team and members of Give Gain Grow will miss you - but you made such a positive impact on the group and this will always be so valued.
So here's to Chris and as she says in her own words: "Never be afraid to follow your dreams..." Thank you Chris for being an ispirational, enthusiastic and wonderful Chair for the group. Another member of the committee, volunteer Chris Seward has now taken up the role of Chair for the group. |
Give Gain Grow say a fond farewell to Chair, Chris Fernie - pictured at Gosport Discovery Centre.
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Ten Keys to Happier Living
The Great DREAM - we want to share this inspirational Ten Keys to Happier Living acronym poster below.
(image is courtesy of actionforhappiness.org)
(image is courtesy of actionforhappiness.org)
