Autumn Gatherings and Peer Learning.

We had a great conversation and visit to Our Community Kitchen, OCK, in Haddington on 30th September. Elaine Gale, Manager of OCK, shared how a germ of an idea grew. It started with a passion around good food as a connector in communities, a focus on local Dementia Friendship Group, good practice around seeking funding and consulting with the local people, through DFEL - and developing ways of reaching out into the community to connect and find support. The early beginnings have grown into a 4 days-a-week, food and friendship group spanning several generations.

The good food aspect and conversations with school head at Knox Meadowpark germinated another idea and now there is a wonderful "Our Community Garden" situated in the grounds of the school, with communal growing, eating and gathering area. The aspiration with the development manager for the garden, volunteers and OCK manager, Elaine, is to ensure this develops intergenerationally and sustainably. (Sustainable in terms of the work to look after the garden so that it flourishes, in terms of the relationships developed and generations coming together meaningfully - and the wider climate action focus on sustainability and supporting OCK's needs for good food that is affordable for the project to continue its wonderful work in the Haddington area.

OCK has a range of ages in participants, from pre-school children to older friends in their 80's, as well as a mixed board of Trustees and in volunteers / staff. 

Together they bring skills, interests, passions, dedication - and friendships evolve. In the words of the Strictly Judge - FAB-U-LOUS!

If you are inspired by all OCK is doing, you can contact Elaine Gale directly.