Newbury almshouse residents benefit from ‘life-changing’ communal garden

Residents at Upper Raymond’s Almshouses in Newbury have recently created a communal garden.

The proctor of Upper Raymond’s Almshouses, Roz Morris, had the idea after watching a feature about the mental health benefits of communal gardens in Liverpool.

She then suggested it to residents of the almshouses – one of several managed by the Newbury Almshouse Trust.

The trust had upgraded the car park earlier this year, and Mrs Morris noticed some of the land would be idea for a communal space.

“It has been a great success, and the residents love it,” she said. “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.”

Residents had been eager to design a rockery and to plant and maintain their communal garden together.

Rivar Sand & Gravel was able to provide residents with discounted stones, while Thatcham Garden Centre donated some plants, as did many other supporters.

The trust itself donated money for the garden.

With lettuce, tomatoes, courgettes, herbs and flowers all being grown, residents are looking forward to a bountiful harvest – and the chance to make some chutney.