Planting at hospice's Holsworthy outreach centre completed by students, Wyevale staff and other volunteers
A green-fingered group of local volunteers got their hands dirty this week to transform the garden area of The Long House, North Devon Hospice’s outreach centre in Holsworthy.
Care and support is provided at The Long House to local people facing the impact of cancer or other life-limiting illnesses. The centre is a haven for both patients and families, helping them cope during the toughest of times. More than 250 people have been supported at The Long House since opening, with over 100 sessions provided every month including one-to-one counselling, group support, complementary therapies, pamper days, creative sessions and much more.
The garden areas now look vibrant and bright, helping to further enhance the welcoming feel of The Long House, thanks to the work of diligent volunteers from the local community. These included students from Holsworthy Community College and Shebbear College, members of Holsworthy Lions and the Holsworthy Town Council team as well as staff from Brooks Wyevale Garden Centre.
Debbie Johns, a teacher at Holsworthy Community College, said her pupils had thoroughly enjoyed taking part. “It’s been a fantastic experience and they’ve been really happy to do something that will make a difference to others. It’s been great for them to see what The Long House is all about, to see that it’s such a lovely place and not scary at all. I have a friend whose husband sadly passed away and the support they both received from North Devon Hospice was amazing, so it’s been a pleasure to help out as I know what a good cause this is.”
Brooks Wyevale Garden Centre in Stratton donated all the plants and shrubs free of charge. Jackie Hill, who is their Horticulture Manager, said the gardens will look great all year round. “We drew up a plan of what we should plant and we made sure to include plenty of evergreens so the gardens will look lovely even in the winter. The idea was to use lots of colour, because The Long House is a bright and vibrant place so it’s important that is reflected in the garden areas. We’ve really enjoyed getting involved because this is a very important facility for Holsworthy and the surrounding area.”
Jamie Sanders, Head of Upper School at Shebbear College, was helping with a team of his Year 12 pupils. He said they were keen to get involved after learning how The Long House supports local people. “Claire Sherwood, from the hospice’s fundraising team, gave a presentation and she spoke about how The Long House makes a difference to local patients and families. She spoke about the project to brighten up the gardens and everyone was very keen to get involved. They’ve been digging and planting and working really hard today, but thoroughly enjoying every minute.”
The volunteers were helped out by members of the Holsworthy Town Council team and the Mayor of Holsworthy, Jon Hutchings, came to see the transformation. “The hospice supports people in the area, and people in the area support the hospice.” He said. “It’s great to see the community working together to make such a difference, especially with so many youngsters getting involved.”