Residents and visitors to Angaston in the beautiful Barossa Valley could not have missed how well gardens have been maintained over the spring and summer months. This is all due to the untiring volunteer work of members of the Angaston Garden Society Inc.
Mayor of The Barossa Council, Brian Hurn, said the society has provided a ‘blooming good example’ of how a vibrant volunteer organisation can beautify a town by creating and maintaining flower gardens.
“The society meets for work from 9 am to 12 noon every Monday, with a regular team of about nine workers,” Mayor Hurn said. “Their work is of great assistance to Council and is very much appreciated by town residents, local businesses and tourists.”
He said that the volunteer efforts of society members has lifted spirits in the town and generated greater pride in the town and district.
The Society was formed in April 1991 with seven members and now has nearly 20 members.
The society’s first project was the beautification of the Angaston Cemetery Columbarium. It has since expanded its responsibilities to looking after nearly 1,000 roses, numerous borders of annuals and about 60 half wine barrels in the main street and elsewhere.
“Our work has been recognised by numerous Keep South Australia Beautiful commendation awards over the years, and we thank the Barossa Council for its support with manpower, machinery and finances,” said president of the society, Cliff Humphries.
“The support of local wineries, including Beringer Blass, Saltrams and Seppelts, in supplying wine barrels is also appreciated.”
The volunteers enjoy the companionship of fellow members and continue to encourage others from the local area, whether young or old, to join the society. Many of the garden society members are also actively involved with other volunteer organisations, such as Meals on Wheels and Lions.
