Peebles volunteer takes on Kilt Walk for community garden

As previously reported, Peebles CAN (Community Action Network) Garden in Victoria Park has experienced a range of alleged vandalism over the summer – including damage to polytunnels, children’s toys and crops.

In response to the ongoing issues, Andy Entwistle, a volunteer at the garden, has decided to fundraise for the community space when he takes part in the Kiltwalk later this month.

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“Pandemic times have curtailed the outlets for young adults and as much as everyone else they need space in our community,” he said.

“Rather than wrecking the work of local volunteers and charity initiatives and depleting resources, it would be so good if Peebles could better provide options and opportunities. Maybe even to come join and learn with groups like Peebles CAN.”

Peebles CAN is a charity which aims to provide a range of services in the community and runs sessions where volunteers can share their skills in gardening, cooking, and arts and crafts.

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The group can also provide advice on how to travel in a way to help mitigate the effects of people’s carbon footprints.

Andy Entwistle will take part in the Kiltwalk later this month. Photo: Helen Barrington

Nichole Dow, community growing co-ordinator at Peebles CAN Garden, said: “The community garden has been subject to vandalism over the summer months, with damage increasing in severity. Damage has occurred to all areas of the garden, seating, gates, hose pipe, garden equipment, garden ornaments, children’s toys, and produce from the garden smashed on the ground.

“We cannot afford to keep repairing these damages, and this is devastating for our hard-working volunteers.

“The police are involved and we are encouraging people to keep an eye on the garden and report groups gathering in the evenings to 101, quoting incident number 0839.”

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Andy explained that the sense of community, as well as the opportunities as a gardener, are what drew him to the Peebles CAN Garden.

He said: “Community is important for all of us and if lockdown gave lessons, one of them is about the role each of us can step into when we need or when there is need from our community.

“I have been on the edge of self-involvement with Peebles Community Action Network since some time mid-lockdown and aware of the ongoing local issues down at the community garden.

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“As a gardener, it is the allotment, community growing space and the other like-minded [people] in the community that attract me towards engagement.

“Charity walks and events I’m no stranger to, having done a fair few down south over the years.

“When the idea of attending the Glasgow Kiltwalk was put out there, I saw enough links and opportunities to involve myself here – to focus a way for the community to step up in, financially assisting our local charity with repairs and security assistance.

“And to embrace the wider charity ethos that events like the Kiltwalk represent.”

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Andy will be taking part in the Mighty Strider event at this year’s Kiltwalk on September 26 – this covers 16.5 miles from Glasgow Green to Meadow Leisure Centre in Dumbarton.

Through the Hunter Foundation, all money raised will be topped up by 50 per cent.

To donate, visit: fundraising.thekiltwalk.co.uk/fundraising/ScotlandsKiltwalk2021-AndyEntwistle