Community stalwarts pick up awards as Veg Out garden opens in barnard Castle

WET weather failed to dampen spirits at the official launch of a community garden in Barnard Castle.
Veg Out in Barney, which is run by Barnard Castle Rotary Club, opened The People’s Garden on during a special tea party.
With the aim of getting people to have a go at growing their own produce, the garden at the rear of the TCR Hub features a polytunnel, a summerhouse and areas to grow vegetables and flowers.
Veg Out in Barney founder Dr Ann Barmby said: “It is such a beautiful place.
“The garden is for everyone and it is here for people to enjoy. They can garden and come along and pick the produce to take home. If it was not for Pam Warhurst this place would not exist.”
Food activist Pam Warhurst is the founder of the Incredible Edible Network which the Barnard Castle garden is part of. Ms Warhurst, who cut the ribbon at the party, has inspired people across the globe to start growing their own food.
Speaking of Veg Out in Barney’s garden she said: “I am blown away by it. I had no idea what it was going to be like. It is something which is not only inspiring but something so beautiful too. It is making everyone smile. The whole team are heroes.
“This was not easy but through real community effort, look at it. There is nothing I have seen that brings so much life into a small space.”
There is something for everyone at the site including plots suitable for those who are living with Alzheimer’s.
Dementia advisor for the Alzheimer’s Society Nicky Tulloch said: “From being a complete swamp almost to this beautiful space, the development of it is just amazing. If it is dementia-friendly it is people-friendly and that is the whole point.”
Volunteers and supporters of the project attended the tea party during which two special awards were also presented.
Project volunteers Graham Moore and Roger Peat, who is also the deputy town mayor, were each presented with a Paul Harris Fellow by incoming president of the  Barnard Castle Rotary Club Ross Law. Paul Harris founded Rotary International in 1905. The awards are given to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to their communities.
Mr Law said: “It is a while since I have been down here and I am flabbergasted. What a beautiful and excellent use of a space.
“It gives me great pleasure this afternoon to award not one but two Paul Harris Fellows to citizens of Barnard Castle for their commitment to the local community. They have both demonstrated service above self.”
Members of the community, young and old, are being encouraged to use the garden.
Town mayor Cllr Sandra Moorhouse said: “It is absolutely wonderful and the garden needs rains so the weather is appropriate. The transformation is incredible. It is like a secret magical place but it is here for everyone to use.”