Matt WeigoldBBC Radio Stoke
Hear Nick Knowles and charity chair Sue Akkurt reminisce on the unveiling of the Fegg Hayes garden
A community garden has been a sanctuary, a classroom and a lifeline since it was created three years ago, according to volunteers.
DIY SOS built the facility in Stoke-on-Trent during a stormy February in 2022, and the Sylvester Community Trust Growing Field has hosted numerous events and groups since.
Volunteer Carol Wilson remembered TV presenter Nick Knowles and his team from the popular show arriving in the village of Fegg Hayes to start work.
“You’re very excited, and you can’t wait to see what they’re doing,” she recalled.
“Gardening’s my passion. It’s my therapy. I love being out in the trees – it’s always kept me giggling.”
Mrs Wilson said until the DIY SOS team arrived, the site was basically “just a dog toilet area”.
“We’re left with quite a nice wood now that we’ve got to tend to,” she said.
Carol Wilson’s grandson, who has special educational needs, has enjoyed playing his guitar at the site’s ampitheatre
Chair of the trust, Sue Akkurt, remembered being in tears at the unveiling of the garden, which was filmed by the BBC.
“You can’t understand what this’ll mean,” she said at the time. “It’s absolutely stunning.”
The primary reason for the build was to educate children about food, nature and cooking.
The site has hosted hundreds of young people from state schools, special schools and young offenders units.
Children are given the opportunity to explore the fruit trees, vegetable patches and chicken coops.
“Watching kids interact, watching people who had mental distress in their lives sit and have a brew or do some crafts – it’s beautiful,” Mrs Akkurt said.
The facility has offered a wide variety of opportunities, including gardening, crafts and mental health groups.
Dan Bourne said the community gardens had helped his mental health
“I went through cancer and suffered really badly with my mental health,” volunteer Dan Bourne revealed.
“I’ve met new people and I just like coming across here, and have done that now for about three years.”
Members of the trust that runs it are excited for the future, with a kiln soon to be installed and plans for sheltered outdoor areas.
They said new volunteers were always welcome and could allow them to open the kitchen as a public cafe on a regular basis.
The DIY SOS team’s next project is a Children in Need special at The Joshua Tree in Northwich, Cheshire, to double the number of cancer-affected families it supports.
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