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Norwich church creates community garden

MileCrossAfterBy Alan Wright and Jonathan Hall



A piece of unused land at the rear of Mile Cross Methodist Church, Aylsham Road, Norwich, has been transformed into a landscaped community garden in consultation with local groups.

The 30m by 15m area was well used for football, rounders and fireworks in the 1980s and 90s when the Church ran a Junior Club for young people from the local estates, but more recently, apart from the annual Church barbeque, it has remained unused.

Various ideas were discussed at Church Council meetings and two years ago it was decided that it should be converted into a Community Garden. Under the leadership of the minister, Rev. Brenda Mosedale, and with close co-operation from the City Community Development Officer Ian Leather, consultations were held with Church members and Community groups to optimise the use of the space.

MileCrossBeforeA plan was drawn up by church member Jonathan Hall of JH Garden Designs and funding was sought so as not to drain church resources. Two small grants were soon forthcoming from Circuit sources, but the bulk of the cost was gained from a Biffaward which awards grants to community and environmental projects.

Work began towards the end of September and within two weeks the area of rough grass and nettles was transformed into a turfed and paved garden with shrub filled borders. The paving was all ethically sourced, ensuring that workers receive a fair deal and decent working conditions. A small area of garden has been left bare so that local groups can contribute to the planting next spring, and a legacy from a Church member has been used to provide seats. It is hoped that the garden will become an area of quiet where anyone can go to enjoy God’s World and spend time on the three ‘Rs’, Rest, Reflection and Recreation.

Pictured is the community garden before and after the work.

 

., 05/11/2008

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