Gardens transformed at Friars Lodge

9/28/2009

Things are looking rosy in the garden at Friars Lodge.

A major outdoor refurbishment has taken place at the Magna Housing Association-run supported housing scheme in Melbourne Place, Exeter.

The new garden, which features decking and a children’s play area, has been officially opened following months of hard work by residents, staff and volunteers from Mi-Space.

Magna’s Sarah Barney, explained: “Mi-Space is a developer we have worked closely with on a number of projects and they approached us asking if there was a community project they could assist with.

“We identified the building of a new garden at Friars Lodge as an idea candidate and Mi-Space have kindly paid for all the materials and carried out all the work free of charge.

“It’s a fantastic gesture on their part and we are really grateful to them.”
The converted space was originally an area of scrubland that had become overgrown and an eyesore.

To celebrate the opening, a fun day was held at Friars Lodge with residents and guests enjoying a range of activities and attractions, including a hilarious version of TV’s Play Your Cards Right.

Youngsters also had the chance to climb aboard a fire engine, courtesy of Devon Fire Brigade, who dropped in to join the celebrations.

After cutting the ribbon, Elaine Crooke, Magna’s head of housing services, added: “This has been a fantastic event and I would like to thank everyone who has made it so successful.

“Special thanks go to Mi-Space, Friars Lodge residents and staff for all their hard work, in particular Hennis project manager Sharron Sandell. We are also grateful to the anonymous supporters who so kindly donated children’s play toys and apparatus.

“The transformation has been incredible. The garden now looks a picture and I hope residents enjoy their new surroundings for many years to come.”

Friars Lodge, which was opened in 2005, provides seven flats for homeless families and for single homeless people with support needs.