Muckamore WI -Incredible Edibles

Members Ruth Wilson, Sharon Carson and President Elizabeth Gray with Guest Speaker Declan Donnelly

President Elizabeth Gray welcomed Declan Donnelly from “Incredible Edibles” Cloughmills who was the guest speaker for the February meeting of Muckamore WI.

In 1999 a small group of residents got together to help re-establish better community spirit within the village.

He is part of the community group in the village working to improve the social, economic and environmental quality of life in the local area. There are many voluntary opportunities for the residents and friends.

This project teaches people of all ages about gardening, wildlife and growing food. During the past year volunteers continued to work on the development of the community allotment garden at the Old Mill, Cloughmills.

The garden site was formerly the millpond of a disused corn and flax mill. The land and buildings are owned by Ballymoney Borough Council who gave permission to use the site and to take forward plans for the creation of a Biodiversity Park on adjoining land, which extends some 4.5 acres. This area has raised beds, polytunnels, a natural composting toilet, storage sheds, a covered work area and an authentic Mongolian yurt which is used for community events.

The innovative dedicated volunteers involved in the community group apply and receive financial support for the many projects and activities. They run various community events throughout the year.

Florence McFarland proposed the Vote of Thanks to Declan for his informative humorous presentation.

New member Jean McCullough was welcomed to the meeting. Birthday Girl for the month of February was Moira Martin. The Competition was an Unusual Salt & Pepper condiment set which was won by Molly Finlay, 2nd Laureen Fisher 3rd Evelyn Fleming.