by Pete Connor
Kev, supported by MacIntyre in Warrington, has a real passion for gardening and keeping busy and was keen to start doing some voluntary work.
Seeking gardening opportunities
I started looking at opportunities for a potential placement working horticulture, and came across Gail, who owns the Blooming Art Studios in Warrington town centre. Gail was looking for somebody to help keep the rooftop garden tidy, along with the raised bed area and access points at the side of the studio.
Proposing a solution
I approached Gail about Kevin coming to help out as part of the Everyone Everywhere project at MacIntyre and she invited us both in for a meeting to see the facility and discuss Kevin’s role and responsibilities and also how we could help each other.
Blooming Art is forever growing due it its popular demand in the local community. Gardening was an extra job on top of many others and we really needed someone to help and reduce the work load to keep the studio area looking good.
Coming to an agreement
I took Kev to the studio to meet Gail and straight away he was excited about getting involved and looking after the green space areas at the studio. Gail and Kev agreed to do the job every Tuesday for a couple of hours.
Kevin was also shown where to store the tools and equipment and where the kitchen space is for a brew and toilets and wash basins etc. Gail felt it was important that he felt at home in the studio as a member of staff working on the garden and outside spaces.
Kevin started the following Tuesday and I came along to see how it was going. Kev instantly transformed the outside raised beds and entrance, doing some weeding and tidying up the walkways and beds clearing the autumn leaves.
A great result
Gail is pleased with Kevin’s work.
Kev is worth his weight in gold and he’s an amazing gardener I’m so pleased with how it’s going working with him.
Kev is also happy with his weekly job.
I like doing my job for Blooming Art as I don’t do anything on a Tuesday and like to keep busy. I enjoy keeping the garden tidy as I do this at home too so I know what I’m doing.
An unexpected benefit
Another positive from the collaboration with MacIntyre and Blooming Art is the potential time banking opportunity for Kevin’s work with Gail. She has suggested that the Great Communities Project can have some weekly studio space for free for June’s Arts and Crafts group to do something further in the community.
What a fantastic community collaboration through the Everyone Everywhere concept at MacIntyre in Warrington.
