Young people do a garden makeover for older people

The Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale Ian and Christine Duckworth at Bridge Wood Lodge with apprentices and staff

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The Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale, Ian and Christine Duckworth, visited Bridge Wood Lodge to view the garden makeover done by apprentices in conjunction with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service Apprenticeships Scheme, who are helping to inspire young people.

Councillor Peter Rush said: "These young people helped to create the Bridge Wood Lodge gardens which will compete in this year’s Heywood In Bloom."

Fred Russell advised the 12 young people who transformed part of the garden at Anchor’s Bridgewood Lodge in Margaret Street over six days.

Other tenants bought refreshments for the group of gardeners while one female tenant baked cakes for them.

Manager Janet Murray said: “I enlisted the help of the young people thanks to the Prince’s Trust.

“The young people donned fancy dress several weeks ago and collected donations as they walked round Heywood in their costumes so they could buy plants, compost and other items for the garden makeover.

“The young people did such a great job planting four flower beds and hanging baskets, painting a bench and creating an insect house.

“It was a real team effort: Fred acted as head gardener advising the young people what plants to buy and where to plant them while our handyman put up the brackets for the hanging baskets. And other tenants provided refreshments to help the garden team keep up the pace!

“The garden looks lovely and on behalf of everyone at Anchor’s Bridgewood Lodge I would like to thank the young people for doing such a great job.

“They were great to work with, very polite and keen to learn about gardening.”