A socially-distanced ‘hit squad’ of Darlington Rotarians descended on a school garden to transform it back to its former glory.
Thirteen members of Rotary, complete with their own individual gardening and other equipment, spent the day refurbishing the garden at the nursery at Skerne Park Academy in Darlington.
Hit Squad leader, Alan Cowie, said he was approached by a friend who had learned that the nursery garden had become overgrown and neglected during lockdown, and there were no funds to pay for a makeover.
He explained: “Rotary has done a number of these projects before, coming to the aid of local organisations and individuals who may need a helping hand.
Thirteen members of Rotary, complete with their own individual gardening and other equipment, spent the day refurbishing the garden at the nursery at Skerne Park Academy in Darlington.
“This is the first project we have completed since lockdown and it has all been carefully organised and risk assessed so everyone is working individually, all with their own equipment and in the open air.
“We have trimmed the foliage, refurbished and repainted equipment and made the garden attractive and safe again for the youngsters who will use it.”
Rotarians were helped on the day by school staff, Rebecca Saxton, a nursery teacher, and Bryony Grey, and reception teacher.
We have trimmed the foliage, refurbished and repainted equipment and made the garden attractive and safe again for the youngsters who will use it.”
Rebecca, who made the initial contact to approach Darlington Rotary, said: “The Rotarians who came to help are a fantastic group of people. The garden had become tired, overgrown and unsafe for the children to use.
“We struggled with finances and just couldn’t have done it ourselves. We are overwhelmed by the fact that they wanted to help and couldn’t be more grateful.”
Other projects the ‘Hit Squad’ has undertaken include a garden makeover in Darlington for a man who suffered from locked-in syndrome, work at Elm Ridge Church grounds in Darlington, gardening at Marske Church and work at the Tranquil Gardens at Killerby.
