Sheltered housing residents in Bathford to benefit from new
communal garden
19th February 2010
Residents of Somer Community Housing Trust’s
sheltered housing scheme at Mountain Wood in Bathford are having a
new, communal garden built right outside their homes.
The idea for the garden came from one of the residents, John
Flemming, and is being created with help from volunteers from
Connaught Partnerships Ltd (a contractor which works in partnership
with the Trust) and students at Norton Radstock College. Residents
have been involved throughout, finalising the plans and choosing
the planting.
The Trust awarded the project a Neighbourhood Impact Grant of
£1,400, which is paying for the materials. Trust staff from the
Better Spaces, Community Investment and Sheltered Housing teams
helped organise the project.
The garden will consist of a patio area and four raised flower
beds, which are being laid out to echo a Union Jack flag theme.
Residents will then be able to grow a mixture of flowers, plants,
fruit bushes and vegetables. A priority for the garden is that it
is accessible for all, whatever their ability, and is wheelchair
friendly.
John Fleming commented:
‘It is lovely to see that people are still
willing to volunteer to make our lives more pleasurable, as many
residents here can't get out and about. The garden will give us
something attractive to look at, and an easy-to-maintain amenity,
outside in the sunshine. I think all the Somer and Connaught staff
and students have been marvellous and their efforts are very much
appreciated.’
Kevin Connell from Norton Radstock College's Horticultural
Department designed the garden. He said:
‘We are pleased for the opportunity to work
with the local community. Our students are able to gain valuable
experience, practise their landscaping skills and leave the
community a better place.’
Connaught Partnerships Ltd assisted the project through the
provision of a team to help complete the huge amount of work
required. Stuart Borthwick, Connaught gas manager, said:
‘Connaught is always looking for ways in
which we can support the community in addition to our contracted
works with Somer Community Housing Trust and the creation of a
communal garden for Mountain Wood was the perfect
opportunity.
‘As a result a team of our locally employed heating engineers and
refuse technicians have offered their time to help complete the
communal garden and it has already made a huge difference. Once
completed, we hope this will provide a welcome facility for the
residents of Mountain Wood.’