Categories: uncategorized
Date: 27 May 2010 17:42:33
Had our first two official referrals arrive at the plot today. My colleagues from my 'day job' at the mental health organisation had submitted a couple of referral forms, and today saw the arrival of two lovely new people. S is a wheelchair user with multiple physical and emotional problems, but with an incredibly cheerful and determined disposition despite this. Her carer, J, is an equally friendly person who also mucked in very readily. It was a real joy to work with them, and I look forward to their next visit.
The mixed part of this blessing was the complications which arose when S needed to obey the call of nature. We were able to solve this problem, after a fashion, but it highlighted the need for toilet facilities on the allotments. Other allotment committees in different parts of the borough have taken up this responsibility and provided purpose built toilet blocks. As our allotments do not really have a working committee (loooooong story!), this has not happened. I am actually relived that some of the other plot holders have taken it upon themselves to provide a chemical loo (which I am told will be installed in the next couple of weeks).
A conversation arose after our session today between myself and a couple of the 'establishment guys' at the plots. I was at pains to point out that wheelchair users not only need to be able to get to our plots (access being slightly impeded by other plot-holders at the moment) but to also get to any toilets provided. One of these guys, JB, has long been very good at advocating our cause, but GJ was a little harder to convince. At one point, it was even suggested that our project take up responsibility for applying for a grant for a toilet. I pointed out that this was really the job of the allotment committee (cue opening of can of worms - JB is for committee, GJ is not!) I'm not averse to pulling my weight up there, but am not really happy to commit the energies of our project to something which should already be covered.
This brings me to the prayer request. There is some conflict overall at the allotments over this committee/no committee argument. Officially, there should be one. It would certainly make some matters easier, in my personal opinion. Please could you be in prayer for this, such that this issue will be resolved in a way that is pleasing to God and a blessing to all users of the plots. Thanks.