Cat’s latest challenge

Cat moved to Ovington in 2018 and looked around for something to get involved with.  Fortunately for us, she found GO Local Food and joined us as a workshare in March 2021.

Cat has discovered a love of ‘being outdoors’, comparing this with her career in retail she says “I have learnt so much from Jill and Ian (our horticulturalists) I wish I had discovered the joy of growing and working outside (in all weathers!) sooner.  My favourite task so far has been tending to, and learning how to care for the wonderful variety of our tomato plants.

Inspiration from her experiences on the field – digging, weeding, watering, pricking out, planting, etc took Cat to an Open Day at Kirkley Hall – where to her surprise she found herself signing up for a Level 3  Advanced Technical Diploma in Horticulture. “I hadn’t gone with the intention of becoming a student!”.  Now a very excited Cat has joined the student group and a new adventure begins! Two days a week on campus and the rest of the hours made up of self directed learning and placement – needless to say we are hoping her workshare hours can contribute as part of the placement.

Cat was a little conscious of being somewhat older than her fellow students “but I have not been made to feel different in any way, in fact the young ones have helped me with technical issues unreservedly. So far I love everything about it, and what a beautiful place to study, work and rest in a Victorian walled garden.  Lucky me !!”