A patch of land around a church in Ashton is being transformed into a welcoming space which the local community can use and enjoy.
A small but dedicated band of volunteers are busy creating a Community Garden on Audley Street, adjacent to St Gabriel’s Church.
The ongoing project is expected to cost around £11,000 in total – which will be met through a combination of grants and fundraisers.
One of which is the St Gabriel’s Summer Fair, being held at the church on Sunday 17 July from 11.30am to 2pm where there will be fun for all of the family and everyone is welcome.
Speaking about what the Community Garden will consist of, Sophie Stone – one of the volunteers involved – told the Reporter: “We’re trying to create a garden so that the community can use it - everyone of all ages. It’s making better use of the land available that’s attached to the church.
“There’s a big grass area to the side of it and we’re making a patio area that’s got a pergola over it so we can put some seating on there for people to sit down. We’re putting gated access in so it’s safe for parents to let their children play whilst they’re there so they don’t have to worry about them.
“On one side of the grass area, we’re having an environmental garden which is going to be used by Parochial CE Primary and Nursery School as they don’t really have much green space where they are."
Sophie continued: “On the other side, we’re going to be building raised vegetable beds which is going to be wheelchair accessible so there is something for everyone. At the front, we’ve got a sensory garden and a memory garden where people can buy a plaque to remember a loved one who has passed away.
“We’ve made a start on a few bits and bobs and we’ve got someone coming with a digger so we can then concrete the areas where the raised beds will go and where the patio will go so we can get that ready.
“The sensory garden and memory garden are more or less finished. We’re putting some plants around the outside that are going to be quite environmentally friendly so they’ll attract bugs and pollinators.”
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Members of the local community and the St Gabriel’s congregation have stepped up to help out but, in order to help complete the project, further support from local residents and businesses is being sought.
“Although it’s in the church grounds, it's not just for people associated with the church but for everyone.
“We’re appealing for more physical and practical support as we’ve not had many volunteers to help us. More volunteers would be great - people who are local and know the church or who just want to get involved.
“We’ve still got quite a lot of heavy jobs to do and we still need plants, tools and any materials. If any local businesses want to support us as well, especially landscapers, builders and gardeners, that would be great. We would thank them publicly by displaying their company details on a notice board in the new garden."
Anyone who wants to get involved or has any questions about the project can contact Sandra Kiy on 07740 766 687.
There are plans to hold an official opening once the Community Garden is finished.
Images by Nigel Wood
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