"..........."If they can't organise a small event like this why should we
believe they can run a business?"
In truth the whole thing relied heavily on the goodwill of those who turned
up.
We shuffled around good naturedly trying to work out what was going on and
where we should be.
We spent long periods standing around in total confusion.
The carols afterwards were hugely disappointing - far too much talking and
too much being sung AT when what we all wanted was to sing our hearts out as
a congregation and show we were there and that we cared.
As a result I think I may have been converted to the opposite view.
I've been several times and always been impressed by the potential whilst
being left disappointed by the actual.
It's in the wrong place, under-resourced and badly promoted.
It survives because of the goodwill and enthusiasm of a few while it is
ignored by the many.
I think it deserves to survive - but it has to have some re-shaping if it is
to do so. ............."

I have to agree with you on most of your comments, though I don't think that
there is basically anything wrong with its site, close to major road and
easy to find WITH A CAR.
It needs to be linked to the Swansea Carmarthen bus route, and possibly even
during the "Season" to have a dedicated buss a couple of times a day each
way.

It could be that amongst the staff to go was their "Events organiser" but Oh
Dear they did give the impression that they wouldn't even find the brewery
let alone organise the proverbial pi** up in it.

I have been thinking (And that in it's self is a major achievement), with
That pert of Wales having had such a leading role on the development of
Organic growing over the last 15 or so years why can't the Henry Doubleday
set up have a presence there and thus run and fund a small part.
Also with so many RHS members in Wales and so little to show for our
membership why not have the RHS also have a presence and have then taking
over some part of the site, possibly some of the serious Botanical work in
conjunction with Kew and Wisley, possibly in conjunction with the University
of Wales.
With this in mind I wonder if it would be viable to have some Horticultural
courses run on site thus raising the profile of horticulture in Wales,
having working students on site, and having a good reason to keep a few good
horticural and related brains in the area.

I have a feeling Sue that they need our brains there to get them into shape,
but as the lottery just wont come my way I haven't the cash to take the
place over, doubt if they would let it go for £12.75p


--
David Hill
Abacus nurseries
www.abacus-nurseries.co.uk
***2004 catalogue now available***