Gerard’s email contacts were extensive for the Food Forest. I guess if you are in “lockdown” you may as well get busy! He had been emailing Ministers, as you do and connected with Bill from the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, who actually own the VASS site.
We were excited to welcome Bill Chamberlain, Senior Project Officer, Disability and Communities Branch of the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, on December 8th for the VASS site visit. I enjoyed hearing about Gerard and Bill’s connection and how Gerard had inspired him.
Bill presented us with our very first plant for the Food Forest. Even more special in that it is a Preston Fig, a local variety. Bill had grown it himself from a cutting- something that would resonate with Gerard. I remember lots of Fushia cuttings and later it was eucalypt seeds in paper bags in our oven!
A Super Special gift and one that will have pride of place in the forest. Cathy has been charged with keeping it alive until we are ready to plant. Thank you so much Bill. I was truly touched by such a beautiful gift and your lovely words.