Spring brings sunshine and volunteers to Reg's Garden

Glorious weather - the hottest day of the year so far - ushered in the first day of spring as more than 50 volunteers joined together to help maintain the delightful community garden named after the late station master at Farnborough North railway station.

The day began with volunteers setting about the usual tasks needed at the garden - weeding, fence painting, mowing, patio cleaning - whilst also building new planters and constructing a novel feature making hanging baskets from old safety helmets!

Under the watchful eye of Mike Knott and colleagues from the Farnborough Street Residents Association, the hard-working crew continued the transformation of the old station master's house. CMP Members have contributed significantly to this project which has recently enabled the creation of a warm café for people to enjoy a drink, cake and a friendly chat.

Ten Member companies had staff volunteering:

Amazon Filters The Aviator Hotel Butt Miller

Farnborough Airport Herrington Carmichael Morr & Co

Siemens Healthineers Source Supplies Talk Technology The Village Hotel

Inside the house, the ground floor has enjoyed a complete makeover through the endeavours of CMP and its Members: facilities now include a newly renovated Village Room (supported by The Village Hotel) and The Aviation Room (supported by the generosity of Farnborough Airport and the Aviator Hotel).

Over the years CMP volunteers have been active at Reg's Garden, a number of community groups now make use of the space which has been described as 'Farnborough's best kept secret'. The Garden now hosts a local mental health group, and also children from nearby Rowhill School which caters for those who have been excluded from mainstream education. All can enjoy the tranquillity of this lovely spot which is looking absolutely gorgeous thanks once again to the superb contribution of the team of volunteers.

'It was just a pleasure being here today,' beamed CMP's Rachel Austen who arranged and managed the event, 'So many laughs; strangers working together at the start of the day, friends by the end! And the house and gardens look amazing!