The Dartmouth Community Greenhouse was officially opened on October 1st by local MP Anthony Mangnall and attended by many sponsors, supporters and well wishers. He said that the greenhouse was ‘a remarkable achievement and a team effort which would withstand the test of time’.
He praised the work of Dartmouth Green Partnerships’ volunteers saying: ‘Year in year out you make an incredible effort to make Dartmouth look wonderful. After seven years of planning and fundraising DGP has created a new Dartmouth hub that will allow green fingered members of the community to continue to keep the town in bloom as well as a new space to teach and demonstrate the finer qualities of horticulture.
‘Their work is not just recognised locally but nationally’, he added ‘as one of the only community garden partnerships to win a Green Flag Award. DGP is a huge asset to the town and the community. I was proud to be there and I look forward to seeing them continue to flower.’
Mr Mangnall snipped the special green wreath to open the greenhouse and later raised the Green Flag. Guests who explored the greenhouse for the first time included local councillors, sponsors and supporters who had helped fund the project.
DGP Chairman Stevie Rogers said: ‘Many thanks to Anthony for opening the greenhouse. It was a fun, hugely enjoyable day with a great atmosphere. We lost count of the many well-wishers who came by. The greenhouse is a fitting tribute to the horticultural history of Dartmouth and the dedication of our small band of volunteers. We will go from strength to strength from now on.
‘The greenhouse will be open when DGP volunteers are working in the Community Garden. Courses are starting now so keep an eye on posters on site for details. The emphasis will be on sustainable gardening and creating habitats for winter wildlife.’