Autumn drizzle couldn’t dampen the spirits of residents at a Huddersfield care home – who are getting a new garden.
They joined staff and VIPs to launch a campaign to raise funds for the second and final phase of a scheme to transform the dilapidated Victorian grounds at Beechwood, Edgerton, into an accessible, wildlife-friendly garden.
Resident Dot Goodall cut a ribbon to mark the launch of the appeal while Huddersfield MP Barry Sheerman and Colne Valley counterpart Jason McCartney were among those taking part in the launch and celebrating the work done so far under the Making Beechwood Blossom project.
Staff at the home have been working with Huddersfield-based not-for-profit organisation Environmental Alliance on the scheme – and earlier this year got a major boost by raising £10,000 for the work from the sale of surplus flagstones.
“The money we’ve raised has enabled us to remodel the garden and create full wheelchair access,” said Beechwood volunteer co-ordinator Gemma McCorkindale. “We now have a superb ‘blank canvas’ which we hope to transform into a vibrant and colourful garden ready for spring and summer next year.”
In the past few months, volunteers from Turnbridge-based engineering company Cummins Turbo Technologies have been helping to complete phase one before the onset of winter. Local contractors employed on the project have also helped out by donating time and use of machinery.
In the next six months, it is hoped to raise a further £20,000 to complete the project. The work to be done includes “future proofing” new access paths with a bonded gravel surface, constructing raised beds for residents to grow vegetables and flowers, buying special tools to enable the 26 residents to plant, weed and harvest, paying for wheelchair gardening experts to support residents in learning new growing skills and buying seeds, bulbs, shrubs, fruit trees, planters and compost.
Praising the efforts of those involved, Mr Sheerman said: “The Making Beechwood Blossom project is an inspirational example of a partnership project bringing together a charity, local businesses and volunteers to create a wildlife-friendly garden for residents to enjoy. I’m sure the business community will join with local people in backing this fundraising effort to create a garden that residents will be thrilled to call their own.”
Mr McCartney added: “It’s been wonderful to see what’s been achieved by a dedicated team from across the Huddersfield area for the benefit of residents who are faced with numerous challenges on a daily basis. The fundraising campaign to Make Beechwood Blossom by next spring, has my full backing and I encourage businesses to think how they might be able to contribute.”
Businesses able to assist in the crucial second phase of the work can contact phone Gemma on 01484 429626 or email makingbeechwoodblossopm@gmail.com.
