Community garden is a sweet-smelling success (From The Oxford Times)
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Community garden is a sweet-smelling success
7:00am Tuesday 11th September 2012 in News
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Didcot mayor Peter Reade. Picture: Mark Hemsworth
EVEN the mayor has to take some time to stop and smell the flowers.
Didcot mayor Peter Reade was officially opening a new community garden as part of the Restore autumn fair, which also featured live bands, stalls, workshops and a bouncy castle.
The Didcot garden, funded by Lottery grant-giver Ecominds, has been built over the last two years by people with mental health issues. It contains a pergola, a pond and a sensory garden and was designed for people with disabilities.
Mr Read said: “They have done a tremendous job, and that is attracting funds from other charities into Didcot.
“The garden is a very pleasant space with lots of wild flowers which attract insects and make it very tranquil. I made a bee line for the bench under the willow trees.”
Manager Olivier Guillot said: “We are very happy to share this beautiful, peaceful garden with the local community. It aims to educate children about the environment and provide a space for everyone to relax and enjoy.”
Restore is an Oxfordshire-based charity that helps people with mental health problems, using gardening and other activities to help build self-esteem.
