An army of nearly 100 CMP volunteers - the largest cohort yet - reported for duty for our Annual Volunteering Day at Reg's Garden adjacent to Farnborough North station. Reg was once the station master and his house and large, beloved garden have been given over for the community to enjoy. But of course this gorgeous space - Farnborough's best kept secret - needs constant upkeep and maintenance: words which all at CMP just love to hear!
In total, thirteen different companies were represented on the day. Take a bow:
Amazon Filters Becton Dickson Butt Miller
Cre8tive Space Herrington Carmichael MAPP/Winnersh Triangle
Myairops Siemens Healthineers Syneos Health
Talk Technology TecnaUK The Village Hotel YRH Finance
The rain kept away for once this spring and volunteers set to work with energy and gusto... in a trice, volunteer gnomes had cut the grass, weeded the flower beds, restored the shed, cleaned the patio, washed the pathways, painted the fences, cleared the rubbish, brought the raised beds back to life, lovingly tended the herb garden... phew!
This year, in addition to caring for the lovely gardens, Mike Knott who oversees the garden on behalf of Farnborough Street Residents Association (who lease the grounds) had asked CMP to take on the restoration of the former station master's house. Once renovated, there are ambitious plans to offer the house as a meeting place for community groups with the benefit of a small kitchen to serve refreshments. CMP volunteers cheerfully took to the challenge, stripping old wallpaper and putting up new in preparation for painting. Imagine tv's DIY SOS - but on steroids!
Mike was clearly delighted at the outcome of this day with the CMP super-volunteers: 'It's brilliant. Look at what they've achieved in a day, things it would have taken us weeks and weeks to get to.
And the whole atmosphere has been so positive; so many happy, smiling people, busily getting stuck in to the jobs around the house and garden.
CMP do this so well. Rachel's (Rachel Austen who manages the CMP volunteering programme) organisation is second to none. It's just a really feel good experience. Huge thanks to all of you who've made such a difference.'
Take a look for yourselves. Drop in to Reg's Garden and see for yourselves the transformative power of corporate volunteering. Reach out to Rachel to get involved!
