About the GAP Swindon

The GAP Swindon is a community garden project located off Carstairs Avenue in Park South.

The idea of the Swindon GAP started in 2020, and the idea was for local people to grow fruit and vegetables for local people to share. Matthew French, who is the founder, initially thought of the project, and it is now organised by a small group of dedicated volunteers.

Volunteers at The GAP have been busy installing self-supporting raised beds and “No Dig” method veg beds as part of the project, and are looking for more volunteers to join them, tending the plants, weeding, planting, sowing seeds, watering, grass cutting and installing and building more “No Dig” raised beds with recycled materials.

It is based on land behind housing in Carstairs Avenue, in Park South, on an abandoned allotment site. It can be accessed through a gap between houses opposite Lawton Close, postcode area SN3 2DE. The What3words reference to the entrance in Carstiars Avenue is cheer.couch.insect.

No gardening experience is required, this is a community fruit and vegetable project which anyone can join. 

Treasurer Role

The role of the Treasurer is to support the chair in ensuring the smooth functioning of the

finances. The role of Treasurer requires an estimated commitment of 10 hours per month. 

The Treasurer’s tasks include:

Ensure Responsible Administration

• Day to day book-keeping, budgeting and preparation of banking statements.

• To ensure up-to-date records are kept of committee finances.
• To make payments of invoices i.e. insurance and public liability.
• To circulate finances for the annual general meeting (AGM) and any special or extraordinary general meetings.
• Presenting financial reports to the board in a format that helps the board understand the groups financial position. For example in a spreadsheet.
• Understanding of financial best practices in a committee setting.

Other Duties (if applicable)

• Take part in garden maintenance, outreach and promotional activities for the GAP site.
• Attend occasional evenings or weekends to oversee site checks and update the notice boards.

Qualities and Skills Required

• Good understanding of bookkeeping and finances.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidences.
• Approachable and sensitive to the feelings of others.
• Well organised and an eye for detail.
• Ability to work well with the Chair.
• Good time-keeping.

More information about this excellent local community initiative can be found by visiting The Gap Facebook page here – Friends of the GAP  https://www.facebook.com/groups/752284592760091

You can also contact GAP Swindon via ‘The Shop’, Unit C George Hall Court, Cavendish Square, Park South, SN3 2LZ or via telephone on 01793 529938 or email at: thegapswindon@yahoo.com