It’s now over a year since Ruddington’s last remaining public telephone box, in front of our War Memorial, was saved for future generations by being put to a completely different use.
Adopted by Ruddington-based charity, The Mustard Seed Project (Uganda), for just £1, since being launched in October 2022, the kiosk has served as a seed exchange dubbed ‘The Mustard Seed Box’.
With spring just around the corner, charity Trustee Clement Dixon thought it would be a good time to remind villagers about this free facility for anyone who enjoys nurturing both vegetable and flower seeds in window boxes and pots, or planting them in gardens and allotments.
“By providing this seed library, the charity aims to create a meaningful focus in the centre of the village which, hopefully, will promote interest in and continuing support for our work,” explains Clement. “It’s hoped the sharing of seeds and plant cuttings by children and families will be a reminder that planting and growing are essential part of life, both in Teso and here in the UK.”
He adds: “Please help yourself to a packet of seeds and return any you don’t need. If you have any left over from your own stock, please put them in the seed library where they’ll be much appreciated and help keep up a plentiful supply for others to enjoy.”
About The Mustard Seed Project (Uganda)
The Mustard Seed Project (MSP) is a fundraising group set up by former James Peacock school teachers, Sally Squires and Jayne Henson, who were inspired by their visit to the Teso area of Uganda in the summer of 2016.
Since then, incredible progress has been made, all with the invaluable support of the children and parents of our Ruddington schools, together with a wide range of village and Rushcliffe folk.
Sally says: “A heartfelt thanks to all our supporters for making a HUGE difference to the lives of rural Ugandan families in 2023. Whether you attended the Fashion Show, took part in a sponsored walk or bought a chicken, your efforts have changed lives for the better.
“We’ve managed to fund a knitting machine, which the enterprise project team are using to knit school jumpers to sell, so impoverished communities can earn funds to send their children to school, provide enough food for their families, and afford vital medication.
“In other news, the football team is going from strength to strength and the Notts County kit looks as good as new! The sheep gifted to the groups this year are also multiplying quickly and helping alleviate poverty.”
Sally adds: “In February, I’m looking forward to visiting the projects alongside a team from Nottingham Trent University to film a documentary that will showcase the success of the projects. We successfully won a grant to film these enterprises.”
Graham Wright via RUDDINGTON.info