Community-Spirited College Students Build Garden Fit For A Prince

LOCAL children, parents, staff and businesses in Exmouth had cause to celebrate  this week, when  the Prince’s Trust Team 63 handed over the beautiful garden they have spent the last three weeks fundraising and cultivating for Exmouth Children’s Centre.

The brief for the Exeter College students taking part in the project was to create a low-maintenance sensory garden on land belonging to the Centre that would make it attractive to both the parents and children who use it and the local wildlife.

As a result, a border of pretty flowering and evergreen climbing plants have been planted along the boundary of the site while within the garden there is now a fire pit, complete with a seating area, as well as herb containers, bird feeders, and a selection of fruit bushes within a raised bed.

Prince’s Trust Team Leader Sophia Carmen says: “Through the efforts of the team, we have transformed unused areas of garden into vibrant spaces which will now serve as a safe and educational environment in which children will be able to experience and enjoy the great outdoors.”

In order to raise money towards the community project, the eight team members, aged between 16 and 19, washed motorists’ windscreens in fancy dress outside the Bovey Straits Esso garage, which alone earned over £300 towards their good cause.

Further items were donated by local businesses Ireland Construction, Bernaville Nurseries, The Perfume Garden Plant Centre at Powderham Castle, and The Embercombe Building Company, totalling an estimated further £500, while product discounts were offered by B&Q and Greenfingers Garden Centre in Exmouth.

Currently half-way through their 12-week Prince’s Trust Team programme, the Exeter College students who were involved in the Exmouth Children’s Centre project were:  Jess Letheren, Carl James, Dan Williams, Luke Miller, Nathan Steer, Frank Nomah Koneh, Rebecca Rowlands and Brett Newbery. Assisting them were Development Coaches Charlie Plackard and Leah Ackford.

The programme’s aim is to promote personal development through teamwork and making a contribution to the community, while also gaining a City & Guilds qualification with a strong vocational element.

Sophia adds: “‘I’d like to congratulate all the students for undertaking the planning, fundraising, and practical activities that have enabled them to contribute so richly to their local community.  They’ve done a great job for those who use the centre, and have also benefitted themselves in the process by learning a host of new skills.”

Exeter College delivers three Prince’s Trust programmes a year for 16 to 25-year-olds. To find out more about the course or to take part in the next Taster Day on March 19, contact Sue Dart on 01392 205920, or sophiacarmen@exe-coll.ac.uk or shevekpring@exe-coll.ac.uk. The next team starts on May 31.