Students breathe new life into church gardens

Last Updated on 9 August 2022 by Ann-Marie Nye

Eight students from five different countries have renovated three outdoor spaces at Rugby United Reformed Church.

The teenagers, who recently arrived from South Africa, Afghanistan, the Philippines, and Ukraine were joined by UK students and put together as part of a Prince’s Trust Team programme.

Together they created a children’s garden, renovated the church’s reflective memorial garden and recycling garden.

“The young people who came along were absolutely fabulous,” said Lorna Maloney, an Elder of the church.

“There was a tremendous amount of excitement during the two-week project, with people from the church community watching the changes take place.”

Work included repairing fences, removing damaged astroturf, creating seating areas, clearing spaces and painting murals on the walls.

Lorna continued: “We had been looking for ways to engage more with the local community and these new outdoor spaces will help us to do just that.

“The three new areas will cater for different groups, but the children’s garden will be at the heart of our Mums and Tots Club. The new seating area in the memorial garden is already proving popular with our more elderly visitors, and the recycling area where we raise funds for Helipads for Hospitals will enhance that provision.

“We would like to thank the Prince’s Trust team for bringing new life to our church. We’re thrilled by the work they have done.”

The Prince’s Trust Team programme, works with young people aged 16-25.

Georgia Allen, Warwickshire College Group’s Prince’s Trust Team Leader, added: “The church members and groups are already using the garden and it will be a calm, sociable place for the community to use.

“This project has had a clear positive impact on the local community in Rugby.”

More information about the charity can be found here.

Image: Rugby Observer

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