The idea
Eastham Memorial Hall is being rebuilt; completion December 2020. We wish to enhance the outside area around the Hall to make it more private and appealing for residents to sit in at any time. During Covid 19 the outside area of the Hall has been a focal point for residents, it has been used in many ways to keep the community connected and we wish to build on this. Seating will be installed with tables so residents can meet to eat/drink outside in a relaxing garden area with lovely plants around them to create an area screened from the road by climbing plants on frame. Plants will be in raised beds so residents with disabilities can help to maintain them, the local garden club are keen to help with this.Plants will be chosen to attract wildlife, we will help the local children to create bug houses, hedgehog houses etc to encourage their interest and create a sense of ownership. Water features will encourage wildlife, gain the interest of children and be a relaxing feature for adults.
What we'll deliver
- Raised flower beds around Hall to include plants on climbing frames to create a little privacy.
- Plant pots nearest Hall
- Seating and tables
- Water feature with a continual flow of water
- Gravel , grass and paving to offer a level access
- Wildlife features such as bughouses, hedgehog houses etc
- Diverse planting to encourage a variety of wildlife
- Sheds to accommodate chairs/tables for larger events and children outdoor toys, gardening equipment
Why it's a great idea
During Covid 19 the outside of the Hall has been well used as a focal point for the community to keep connected exchanging items of food, plants etc.The garden will help to bring the community back together and connected. Some residents struggle to go into buildings and we see this as a big problem going forward, this area will give them the confidence to meet others locally and help them to start mixing again when life gains some sort of normality. The garden is central to the village, many residents are elderly and have not driven far during Covid shutdown, they will feel confident in driving a short distance. The children will be encouraged to visit the garden to see what bugs are about and play in the water feature. The school bus stops outside the Hall so it will be an ideal place for children to play whilst parents have a chat. The garden club will help maintain the area. All of the above will help with social isolation for all ages of the community where there are no shops etc.
Steps to get it done
- 30/11/20 Laying down Paths and Gravel areas
- 31/01/21 Hard Landscaping and Raised Beds
- 30/04/21 Garden Furniture and planting
- 08/05/21 Official Opening
We feel the garden will attract wildlife which is something that all ages can observe but we will encourage children to do bug counts to give them a sense of ownership. Water recycling is very important, we have incorporated this into the garden, if funds allow we would have several water features that people can interact with, perhaps to generate electricity, we are still looking into this. We hold an annual Fete and BBQ, one sheds will be used to store extra tables/chairs for these larger outdoor events. The other shed will be used to store outdoor toys for children, gardening equipment and other items that will aid residents. We are considering storing a wheelchair so those with limited mobility will find it easier to move around the garden. There will not be enough storage space in new hall to accommodate all these items, the wheelchair could be used by resident as and when they require it for visits to hospital etc.
