GREEN-FINGERED volunteers have transformed an overgrown and forgotten community centre garden to make way for exciting projects to blossom.
The team of ten spent a day at Springhead Community Centre clearing the four small raised flowerbeds and removing straggling weeds from the gravel areas.
Barbara Beeley, chair of Springhead Community Association (SCA), led the efforts and was joined by members Bill Cullen, Colin Tomlinson and Roy Smith.
Lending a helping hand were Louise Dinh, Get Oldham Growing Ambassador, and Liz, Clare, Sarah and Georgina from Oldham Council Planning department and Scott from Voluntary Action Oldham (VAO).
Thanks to their hard work, the area behind the popular centre can now be put to good use, with plans for herb gardens and growing vegetables and flowers already in the pipeline.
Barbara said: “It’s a long time since the garden has been used so it’s nice to get it tidied up. We are so grateful of all the help.
“Hopefully we will be able to grow vegetables and get the children involved. Perhaps we’ll even be able to do cooking sessions.”
Louise added: “It was great to help clear the area so the community group can now decide on some exciting things to do there.”
Meanwhile, a host of fundraisers are also being planned to raise a significant amount to cover the extensive costs of a new roof for the centre.
Barbara revealed: “It looks like the whole thing will have to come off, which is a huge job. The little repairs haven’t been kept up to date and now it is a big job.
“Around 300 people come through the doors every week and we want to keep the centre in good shape for them.”
A recent improvement to ‘Room 1’ also turned into a full revamp as the meeting area was completely repainted and refloored after unexpected damp problems arose.
The centre, which was taken over by SCA in 2010, is home to a wide range of local groups, including a playgroup, table tennis, line dancing, arts, karate group, whist and Slimming World.
Chadderton Riffle and Pistol Club use the range tucked away downstairs while other facilities include a pottery shed, IT suite, library corner and kitchen.
For more information about groups or to book slots at the centre, please ring Roy 0161 652 2099.
