This article is from page 28 of the 2010-02-02 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 28 JPG
VOLUNTEERING, it’s said, brings it’s own rewards. But an east Clare organisation which is looking for volunteers is happy to give some- thing back to the people who are willing to help out.
Irish Seedsavers, based in Capparoe, Scariff are looking for volunteers and in return will provide free places on their very popular courses.
“We’re looking for people who would volunteer for two hours each week. It doesn’t matter if they have no experience in gardening, what age they are and they don’t have to be super fit or super strong – there are all kinds of jobs to be done and something that will suit everyone,” said Seedsavers spokeswoman, Ger- aldine Tobin.
For every 20 hours the volunteers put in, they will be entitled to a free place on one of the many courses which the registered charity runs.
Seedsavers aim is to preserve native species of trees, grains, vegetables and fruit and to promote sustainable erowing methods.
They also run courses in a range of subjects from cheese making to or- ganic growing and natural brewing.
“Quite apart from the free courses, the volunteers will pick up a lot of knowledge about growing by being here. There will be different levels of knowledge among people in the two groups as well, so people will learn a lot,’ said Geraldine.
One of the projects planned – if enough people show an interest in volunteering – 1s making the gardens at Seedsavers more visitor friendly,
planting native seed and generally beautifying the place.
So that volunteers will know what to expect, there will be an infor- mation and volunteer training day on February 5 from 2pm to 5pm at Seedsavers.
Prospective volunteers will be able to meet staff and see what is involved
in the work as well as getting a tour of the gardens and learning more about the Seedsavers mission.
Volunteer days will be on Tuesday between 2pm and 4pm and Thursday from llam to lpm.
Volunteers can choose either – or both – days and as well as two hours of enjoyable work in a good cause
and can look forward to a place on the very interesting courses. For fur- ther information, contact Seedsavers on 061 921856.