Green-fingered volunteers are gathering to celebrate their work over 10 years to keep the town’s park blooming for the whole community on Saturday 13th June – to coincide with Sudbury Open Gardens event.
Please join us to meet members of our team, enjoy the borders – including newly planted areas, find out about the history of the park, and enjoy refreshments between 10am and 4pm.
Who knows – perhaps you’d like to join our friendly volunteer team on Thursday mornings!
- You will find us in front of our volunteer hut, near the main flowerbeds in front of Belle Vue House. Nearest access – off Newton Road. Parking – Ingram’s Wells Road.
Further information:
Our Sudbury project has its roots in a small park, Weaver’s Piece, where anti-social behaviour was making life difficult for local residents. ActivGardens worked with volunteers, park users and various agencies to improve the park and inspire a sense of local pride.
The project gradually rippled out throughout the town, working with volunteers, residents and young people in housing estates and community green spaces, with the town’s main park of Belle Vue becoming our base and main area of focus.
Ten years on, an amazing group of up to 18 people meet each week to tend the flower beds, prune, weed and water, and keep Belle Vue Park blooming for the benefit of the whole community. Some joined after taking part in Grow Your Wellbeing 12-week courses – helping people to gain skills and confidence and find a sense of community through gardening and therapeutic activities.
Our work this year has included designing and planting up new areas of the park, which has given us all a huge sense of satisfaction.
As part of a new partnership project with other charities – called JumpStart Plus – we are encouraging more young people to enjoy the benefits of gardening and horticulture.
Volunteers say –
- “It helps you to mix with people. It gets you out of the house.”
- “I joined because I like gardening. Just the friendship – it’s been marvellous.”
- “I love gardening – and liked the idea of meeting people with the same interests, getting out in the fresh air. It’s been a very welcoming group and I feel I fit right in. It’s especially nice when we sit down and have a cup of tea and a chat.”
- “I knew there wasn’t a park keeper here anymore and I thought – what a great thing. I started when I finished at work and I’ve loved it ever since. Everyone’s so friendly, and I enjoy the fresh air!”
For more information, or to join the course or volunteer group, please contact ActivGardens Development Manager Susannah Robirosa susannah@activlives.org.uk Mobile 07530 407302; or call ActivLives Office: 01473 345350.
ActivGardens in Sudbury is supported by Babergh District Council.
