This was launched during the week of ‘The Big Idea’ in August 2006 when churches from across Wokingham worked together on various community and social action initiatives. During that week a team of people from the Church undertook gardening work and transformed some of the gardens of the Barkham Road hospital. Since ‘The Big Idea’ members of Kings church have sustained and developed this project.

Volunteers have worked in the three main garden areas at the hospital as well as the smaller courtyard garden attached to the WRVS coffee shop. Garden work has mainly centred on pruning, weeding the flower beds, and clearing the paved walkways of weeds and moss to enhance their appearance.

Additionally, the walls of two wards have been washed and cleaned which has made a considerable difference to the outside appearance of these wards. There have been opportunities to visit and chat with patients on the wards.

Also, a music group has performed to the patients in the wards and gardens. These events have been well attended and appreciated by staff and patients alike, and more are planned over the coming months.

Anyone who would like to get involved please contact Nic Hopkinson, the project co-ordinator at nv.hopkinson@ntlworld.com