I just want to thanks everyone for their incredible offers of support - moral, physical and financial - and let you know how things are going.
Since we finished filming in September work at The Rock has continued although our lease is due to expire on March 1st. We have the offer to extend it to october although we are actively looking for another site on the Hereford/powys border. Rocky is setting up a new site just outside Worcester with his existing group and that should be fully operational by Spring and will save huge amounts of travelling time for that particular group that are mainly worcester based.
We have been inundated with offers of potential sites all over the country and I never go anywhere without someone - more often than not a user - stopping me and ecouraging me to keep going. There is absolutely no danger of stopping although we are running on a shoestring, I am away a great deal (am writing this aborad so the website is my only contact for a week or so) trying to earn some dosh with the BBC and Marsha is left sorting everything out. Setting up the Charity takes a huge amount of time, money and beurocratic organisation but it will happen and if we can get this far we can take it on to the next stage.
My main concern is to provide help, support, training and jobs for those that want to get and stay clean. Everyone says tghe same thing; getting off gear is tough but staying off it is ten times harder. But I do believe that if you can provide hope then there is a chance.
The group is doing Ok. kate is much better since her operation and is really doing well. Andres is struggling, back in a hostel after his house was taken from him and has a court case coming up. Chris Smith is inside for a crime he comitted before he joined the project. Andy B has his hearing aid and is finding it strange - he always said that he might not like what he would hear - but he is sticking with it and is staying clean. Best of all, Tom is coming on really well and is a transformed character. Chris davis was made redundant from his job - which happens, but is clearly not great.
Above all they all need training and work experience and a chance to earn some money.
My goal this year remains the same; to raise the money to buy a site, set it up and use it both train and employ those who want to stay clean so we can provide brilliant organic veg, fruit, herbs and meats. It would also be a focus and training centre for other sites. I also want to pester and badger the government into providing money to start to turn the situation round rather than chasing uselessly after it - and spending much, much more in the process.
I hope that wherever you are, you are in the sun. If you are soak it up cause it is lashing here. Has Rockey a web page set up so that we can keep up todate with everyone in Worchester.
Hi. I only heard about this project recently. I bought your book yesterday and although I've not finished it yet it has moved me more than I can say. Keep up the good work - this surely has to be the start of something great? You are an inspiration.
Just finished the book (very annoyed I missed the television series) and came to the website to see how I could donate something to the project. But it doesn't say. So here's my number 1 fundraising tip - put an address on the site where people can send you cheques.
Hi Monty, I know you're incredibly busy so probably haven't seen my noticeboard yet (also it was a bit long, sorry!), but... since you mentioned that one of the major needs is for training, how about getting together with WWOOF or some of the WWOOF hosts? It's a useful way for people to get some informal training and experience, either long-term or short-term, which they can then use to build up a c.v. etc. Perhaps if you (or Marsha) were to get in touch with the WWOOF office, they could create a sub-category on their website of hosts who would be willing to provide training for ex-addicts or recovering addicts. Best wishes, Pen
Hi Monty, I've just read the book and enjoyed the TV programme. I fully admire what you have done and wish you the best of luck with everything. I must admit I was dubious at first as I know lots of drug addicts, most my family!! and I know how they can let you down aswell as themselves. Keep up the good work. Best wishes Paula.
Hi Monty, As everyone is saying well done !! I would love to watch the series again, any chance of it being repeated ?? The Goverment should be offering all the help they can, to support such a worth while project. These people are human & many are trying to get off the drugs that run their lives. Gardening is a very good way of relaxing & thinking about other things for a while.I liked the way you opened up to the viewers about your depression, it was very brave. I think more people should be open & honest about depression as many people suffer with it, & it does you good to know that you are not the only one !!!