A summer garden and grounds makeover in Plaistow
August 14th 2009
Connaught’s garden makeover team helped brighten up the summer and the grounds at Presentation Housing’s residential home at Bishop Wilfrid Court in Plaistow, London, E13 on 13 August 2009. Working as part of Presentation’s refresh programme, and acting on residents’ suggestions, staff fixed up a range of DIY and garden jobs and enhanced the estate with flowers and shrubs. The event is part of a summer-long programme of ‘refreshing’ the gardens and grounds throughout nineteen developments owned and managed by the housing association.
Having done much of the preparation the day before, Connaught’s own version of AlanTitchmarsh and Tommy “two days” Walsh worked hard replanting planters, installing water butts, hose pipes, installing benches and replanting and mulching shrub beds before enjoying some local hospitality in the form of a spicy summer barbeque.
Darren Frost, managing director of Connaught Environment said: “The refresh
programme is an important part of the work we do for Presentation Housing, not just because it is an effective spring clean for the gardens and general grounds, but because it gives our people the chance to work closely with residents and communities. Last year we enjoyed a tremendous party atmosphere and our teams were made really welcome at Bishop Wilfrid Court and we wanted to make sure we did a great job again in 2009.”
Alastair Clegg, Acting Managing Director of Presentation said: “We work hard to make sure that our residents love where they live. Gardens, flowers and overall appearance are part of creating a happy community. From a landlord’s perspective, we want to keep service charges as low as possible and our refresh programme is a great boost to grounds maintenance and helps our money go further. It brings a smile to everyone’s face and is a great opportunity for a party!”
The residents of Bishop Wilfred Court all enjoyed the refresh day and here’s what two of them said about it:
“The day was great and really cheered up the garden – a fantastic refreshing new look. Everyone is friendly and approachable. You get the chance to talk to people and tell them about the things you’d like done and they look into it for you. Knowing someone is listening means you don’t have to worry. We love having the flowers to look at all summer.” Hazel Lyseight.
“The garden looks beautiful. There is a real holiday feel to the whole day.” Joss
Buckerbridge.
Connaught’s Contact Manager Justin Tomlinson concludes: “Our teams really do enjoy these community days. They’re a great opportunity for us to work with residents and with Presentation and we all feel a real sense of satisfaction from a job well done.”
The refresh programme is a great boost to day-to-day grounds maintenance services provided by Connaught to Presentation Housing. This is the second year the scheme has run; it started in June and covers 19 residential properties every Thursday up to November.