Kehelland Gallery: Press Cuttings : Cornish Gardener

This article was reproduced from The West Briton newspaper March 2000

Kehelland horticultural Centre, Just a couple of miles outside Camborne and only a short distance from the A30, is holding a sale week - with West briton readers being offered a special deal.

For the week March 22-27, customers who spend between 99p and £99 are being offered a 10 percent discount and 20 percent for those spending over £99 but our readers will receive 20 percent off all purchases, with the voucher published.

Opened in 1982 by the then chairman of Cornwall County Council, the centre is a national pioneer in providing training and work experience, in a day care setting, for adults with learning disabilities.

They train in small groups with the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills in a wide range of horticultural tasks and work skills. By working and socialising together, the trainees also learn social skills. The centre manager is Colin Williamson, who joined the staff ass an instructor soon after its opening.

There are over 40 trainees and eight staff. The centre, which works closely with Cornwall College's centre for foundation studies and with Duchy College is funded by Cornwall County Council.

It is also run as a commercial operation, with the income covering some of the costs. The centre has the only shop in Kehelland, selling a range of vegetables and plants, a pick-your-own business and it also undertakes contracting work.

 trainees Tending Plants

Mr. Williamson explained: "We grow everything here; a full range of trees and shrubs, vegetables, soft fruits, dried flowers and plants."

The centre, sited close to the main A30, is keen to attract more custom from the public. "In the shop we sell everything we produce here, " said Mr. Williamson. "we are not organic but we only use pesticides when absolutely necessary and the same with artificial fertilisers."

When Kehelland was first opened there was only one other establishment like it in the the country and even now there are no more than a dozen similar centres.

Outside contract work includes the trainees being responsible for the flower displays and hanging baskets in Camborne town centre. "We have a superb relationship with the local community and the village is very supportive." added Mr. Williamson.

Each year the centre holds a giant vegetable show. The 200 show was on September 25. For entry forms phone Kehelland Horticultural Centre on 01209 612445 or Click Here.