Twenty 8-12 year olds who were participating in the Guinness Trust’s Dreamscheme spent a lovely August afternoon with Harvest setting up their new community garden in Exwick. The children planted winter veg in the new beds. They now have salad, leeks, kale, broccoli and garlic to care for and eventually harvest during the winter months. The children were really enthusiastic and had a great time. Later in the afternoon their parents and other residents were invi ted to come and enjoy a cream tea and admire the children's work.

Our Autumn Newsletter has now been published and is available for viewing by clicking on this link. It gives a quarterly update on ECI's work and developments. Please take the time to see what we've been working on.

This year's Annual Review has been published and is available to view by clicking on this link. The document gives and overview of ECI's current work, projects, news and future developments. Please take the time to see what we have been working on and are working towards for the future.

NAVCA to deliver an “Empowering the Voluntary Sector” 1 day workshop in conjunction with Total Support for the Devon Consortium. This is open to all Voluntary and Community Sector groups and will help them:

• Negotiate more effectively with public sector bodies
• Build confidence to negotiate using new knowledge about Public Law
• Access to the tools and knowledge to challenge, and operate from a stronger position

Bring your surplus produce and swap with other growers.

Apple pressing, children’s activities, local food café, gardening demonstrations and much more. Plus the launch of the Harvest Community Gardens and Garden Share scheme.

Saturday 25th September

11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

St Sidwell’s Centre, Sidwell Street, Exeter, EX4 6NN

Admission Free

All Welcome

During July the Harvest team visited 9 Exeter neighbourhoods, distributing starter kits for people to set up their own Incredible Edible MiniGardens. The giveaway events were a big success, with 118 people having received containers, compost, seeds and seedlings to get growing. The kits were completely free to people who met certain criteria (eg living in one of our target areas, not having a garden, being on a low income).

Laura Callaway has completed a document discussing the feasibility of a Night Shelter for Exeter.  This came about in response to repeated concerns about a lack of accommodation immediately available in the city, voiced by the church groups that provide food, blankets and a listening ear to Exeter’s homeless and vulnerably housed.  The report can be viewed by clicking here. 

Harvest Produce Swap and Launch Party
Bring your surplus produce and swap with other growers.

Apple pressing, children’s activities, local food café, gardening demonstrations, talks, films and much more. Plus the launch of the Harvest Community Gardens and Garden Share scheme.

When: Saturday 25th September, 11.00 a.m. – 3.00 p.m.
Where: St Sidwell’s Centre, Sidwell Street, Exeter, EX4 6NN
Admission: Free

All Welcome!

Exeter Community Initiatives Executive Director, Alistair Macintosh, has stepped down as the Chair of the Devon Consortium and DSP Delivery Board after 2 terms - totalling 5 years.

We encourage people to consider this important opportunity to support the development of the voluntary and community sector in Devon, and hope that this appeal is met with broad interest.

For more information, please click on this link

The Homelessness Collaboration are in need of Volunteers to assist with running focus groups with homeless people in Exeter. The minimum requirement would be 5 hours throughout October and/or November 2010.

Please see the following links:

Exeter Community Initiatives Volunteer Application Form