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GET GARDENING!

Every year for the past 25 years the Advisory Committee for Blind Gardeners has been organising action-packed gardening courses.

From 29th April - 1st May, the Spring course will be held at their national offices and garden near Reading, Berkshire. This course is an introduction to gardening for visually impaired people who are new to gardening or for people who are wishing to carry on gardening following sight loss.

12th - 14th July sees the annual Summer gardening weekend, this time being held at Askham Bryan College, York.

The weekend is open both to newcomers and to the people who come along each year.

The courses are run in a relaxed manner with plenty of opportunity to learn and to share your own experiences. You can find out all the basic skills and learn about equipment and techniques while getting your hands dirty in practical activities. There will also be an opportunity to try out and to buy tools and, of course, plenty of time to talk endlessly about gardening - you might also find time to sleep in the accommodation provided in the package!

The Advisory Committee sets out to make the weekend

enjoyable for everyone. Escorts are provided where necessary, guide dogs are welcome and we cater for you whatever your needs.

Participants assemble on the afternoon of the first day and leave after lunch on the last day. Transport is arranged from and to the local train/bus stations and the College.

The all-inclusive cost of the courses:

Spring course, April 29th - May 1st - £99. Closing date for applications 8th April. This course has Summer Gardening Weekend - 12th - 14th July- £135. Closing date for applications 15 th June 2002

You can get an application form or book directly over the telephone by calling 0118 988 5688.

There are also a range of services for visually impaired gardeners including. 'Come Gardening', a quarterly gardening magazine available on tape, in Braille, large print, computer disk or via the e-mall.

Features include seasonal activities, growing ideas, news and views as well as readers' questions and ideas.

A 24-hour Helpline on 0118 988 6668.