Press releases 2007

Swapping mortgages for mowers in Tidworth

11th July 2007

The garden at Eden House in Tidworth has been given a makeover, thanks to a team of green fingered workers from the Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (AMC) in Andover.

Eden House, run by Alabaré Christian Care Centres, is a Supported Housing project for vulnerable young people aged between 16 and 30.  The garden there is very large and takes a lot of work to keep under control.  The residents were lucky enough to have help from the Army two years ago, who did a fantastic job in tidying it up.  But after two years it had started to look a little overgrown and was in need of some TLC.

Staff at AMC were looking for a team challenge that would help make a difference in the local community, so when Eden House got in touch asking for help with the garden they jumped at the chance.

The team of 17 volunteers worked for two whole days turning the garden from an overgrown mass of weeds to a well trimmed work of art. The transformation was helped along by the generosity of the local business community, with shops making generous donations and offering discounts.

Jeremy Ault, from AMC, said “We all had a great time working on the garden at Eden House and are really impressed with the final result.  We want to thank them for having faith in us and letting us loose on their garden!”

He added “It was a really good team building exercise for all involved and we hope that the residents of Eden House enjoy their new garden as much as we enjoyed creating it.”

-Ends-

For more information or to arrange an interview call Lara Higgins on 01722 344484

Notes to Editors

Local businesses that made donations were: Equinoxe Garden Design and Consultancy, Buildbase – Andover, TrimTruk – Andover, Holmes and Sons - Winchester

Alabaré Christian Care Centres is a regional charity, providing a range of services including supported housing, floating support services, drop-in centres, information, advice and training services and a registered care home.  The charity works with the homeless, ex-offenders, young people, individuals with a learning difficulty, vulnerable women and people with drug and alcohol problems, aiming to assist them with realising their potential and becoming valued members of society.

www.alabare.co.uk