Another comment posted on the recent Kent and Sussex Courier article (here):
“I have very much enjoyed visiting the Organic Gardens and am saddened to hear of this future development. Let’s hope that somehow someone who has an idea of how to run an operation such as this can be appointed and it be turned back into the success it used to be.”
Kate, London
No longer strictly relevant to Yalding; but perhaps more indicative of Garden Organics own problems (which led it to leave Yalding in the first place) – they have now confirmed that the shop, restaurant and conference centre at Ryton Organic Gardens will be operated by midlands-based, Webbs Garden Centres, as from 1 February.
Found this on the web – dating from 2007
Although the Kent and Sussex Courier has not given us permission to re-publish the text of their article (here); we have the permission of the original authors, to re-post their own comments on the article…
“Let us do everything possible to keep Kent’s truly ‘green’ showcase alive and attractive to all ages. It is unfortunate that two operators in succession, a Midlands charity in chaos and a business without a business plan for Yalding, have left supporters despondent but I am sure that I speak for my fellow volunteer helpers in saying we are all ready to help. Continue reading »
You may have already seen the article on the Garden’s closure in yesterday’s Paddock Wood edition of the Kent and Sussex Courier. It is however now available on-line, on the thisiskent.co.uk website. Please follow this link.
Please add a comment on the thisiskent article, if you wish. It can only help with publicity.
Figures recently released on the Charity Commission website; indicate that the Gardens’ owners, the Congelow Organic Educational Charitable Trust, made a loss of £10,782 in the year to 5 April 2009 – notwithstanding the fact that they had more than doubled their income.
Found in a BBC feature on hops. (Original article/web page here)
Former YOG manager, Clare Lanes, talks about organic gardening
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Latest news from the Congelow Trust: “Things are moving on… We are hopeful that the gardens will be open at or a little before Easter”
Let us hope that this optimism turns-out not to be unfounded – but more importantly; that whatever solution the Trust has found this time, proves more in keeping with the Gardens’ ethos and better for their long-term prospects, than their last choice.
Recent Comments
Well why am I not surprised that Ryton will be operated by another company .My list could go on .
Many thanks to Jenny, Stewart and Tania, for the supportive comments they have posted on the thisiskent website.
Hope this is true fingers crossed
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