Residents at Upper Raymond’s Almshouses, one of several almhouses managed by the Newbury Almshouse Trust, have recently created a communal garden. The Proctor of Upper Raymond’s, Roz Morris, had the idea after watching a feature about the mental health benefits of communal gardens in Liverpool, and suggested it to residents.
Roz says “It has been a great success, and the residents love it. They have been brought together by weeding and digging. Everyone is working as a community, helping each other out, lending gardening tools and chatting in the evenings about the garden. One of the residents has said it’s changed their life.”
Newbury Almshouse Trust had recently upgraded the car park for Upper Raymond’s Almshouse earlier in 2024, and Roz noticed that some of the land would be perfect for a communal space. From that point it snowballed, with residents eager to design a rockery, and plan, plant and care for their communal garden together.
Rivar were able to give the residents a discount on stones and Thatcham Garden Centre donated some plants, as did many friends and well-wishers. The Trust itself donated money for the garden. With lettuce, tomatoes, courgettes, herbs and flowers all being grown, the residents are looking forward to a bountiful harvest and the chance to make some chutney!
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