As interest in ‘growing it yourself’ reaches fever pitch in Westmeath, details of the GIY 2010 conference, which takes place on Saturday September 18 at the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin, have been announced. The theme of this year’s conference is ‘Together We Grow’ and the event is aimed at GIY local champions and anyone who is interested in finding out more about GIY.
The conference, which is supported by Woodies DIY, has a prestigious line-up of speakers which includes President Mary McAleese who will open the event. Her attendance is due to her interest in GIY and in the spirit of community and volunteerism that GIY represents. It is also due recognition for the huge work that all local champions have put in to get their groups up and running.
GIY Ireland has put together a stellar cast of speakers for the event, including Diarmuid Gavin, garden designer, TV presenter, and GIY Patron; Duncan Stewart, environmentalist and presenter of Eco-Eye; Michael Kelly, founder of GIY and author of Tales from the Home Farm; Klaus Laitenberger, former Organic Centre lecturer and author of Vegetables for the Irish Garden; Paddy Gleeson, chief horticulturalist, Woodies DIY; Fionnuala Fallon, Irish Times ‘Urban Farmer’ columnist; and Victoria Mary Clarke, TV presenter, journalist, and yoga instructor.
In the afternoon, delegates will be able to choose from a wide-ranging series of talks and demos on topics including growing under cover, community-assisted agriculture, yoga for GIYers, sausage-making, tools for GIYers, the OPW Walled Garden at the Phoenix Park, and processing gluts of produce.
The conference agenda includes World Cafe POD sessions where you can meet fellow GIYers from around Ireland, presentation of the GIYer and GIY Group of the Year awards, the launch of the Friend of GIY loyalty card programme, launch of GIY Bulk Seed Order programme, and a tour of the Guinness Storehouse - find out about Guinness history and the brewing process and have a free pint of Guinness in the Gravity Bar to conclude the event.
Tickets are priced at €40 and include refreshments, a hot buffet lunch, and a tour of the Guinness Storehouse. Tickets are only available through the GIY online store at www.giyireland.com
