Community growing site Goodlives, gets connected!
Established in 2021, the Goodlives project has certainly connected the local communities but now, for the first time it celebrates connection of a different kind! In a monumental step forward, the community fresh food growing site now has running water and electricity!
The journey to water and electricity connection is a crucial element of the wider plan for the Goodlives project. It has been a work in progress for some time, so to see it finally come to fruition is incredibly exciting.
With a number of organisations stepping up to support Goodlives and drive the vision forward, the project is well on the way to seeing the dream realised.
Cleator based, B.A.F Contracting Ltd built the trench in readiness for the pipe installation, which was completed by Mitie, whilst the pipes themselves were donated by Thomas Graham from Egremont. Kaefer, a long-standing supporter of Goodlives, funded the water connection fee and donated PPE. Egremont Town Council kindly provided safety barriers for the duration of the works.
The impact that these connections will have on the project is huge. Considering that horticulture is a highly water-dependant sector and the fact that Goodlives staff have had to transport containers of water to the site every day, means this is a tremendous step forward.
Goodlives provides an opportunity for members of the local communities to step into nature and into a more positive and flourishing future. Before even taking a bite of their own freshly grown organic produce, learners are immediately boosted by Vitamin D, simply by being outdoors.
Project Development Lead Laura Bland said “As a community-based fresh food growing project, we understand the benefits of growing, planting and working outdoors and know how effective it can be for improving physical, mental, and social wellbeing. We consider it a real privilege to get to witness it firsthand through our learner’s journeys.”
The water and electricity connections now mean that the project can continue its growth and further expand to support the local communities in bigger and better ways. And let me tell you, the future plans for the project are truly exciting and inspiring.
With the electricity supply now on site – the connection generously funded by Westinghouse and a kind offer from Balfour Beatty to carry out planned connection work, the next stage of development is already well underway with the expansion of the growing areas to now include 3 large polytunnels. Cumbria based, DSD Construction will very shortly begin extensive groundworks on the site in preparation for a large courtyard area which will be home to 2 portacabins and very excitingly, a modular kitchen which will be a cookery training hub for learners to prepare, cook and preserve food that they have grown on the project. They will be able to sit and share a meal with the other Learners or take the food home to enjoy with their families – an interaction that is so often taken for granted, and a wonderful opportunity to showcase and enjoy the fruits of their efforts.
“It is wonderful and encouraging to experience the generosity and support of all of these local organisations – they have demonstrated genuine commitment to social value and shown that they truly recognise the importance of our unique community project.” (Karen Jones, Managing Director)
There is something deeply special about Goodlives. It is not just “one of many” growing projects. It is a beating heart of community goodness. It powerfully tackles social isolation and plants seeds of hope for a better future into the hearts and minds of its beneficiaries.
A wonderful reminder to us all that we should never underestimate the power of connection!
