VOLUNTEERS have started to give Heathfield Community Centre a little TLC, including a green makeover and new link to Zimbabwe!
The team got busy before Christmas, clearing a site where rotten fencing is due to be replaced by a native hedge, planted in partnership with nearby St Catherine’s C of E Primary School.
The admin team at the centre has been very supportive and also hoped for is a raised bed where pupils and their families can grow fresh fruit and vegetables.
The project is being led by retired Bovey Tracey couple Jane Tarr and Nick Clough whose not-for-profit group, Trees of Hope, was co-founded in 2018 with Kennedy Tafara Chinyere at his home village in Zimbabwe.
He settled in the UK nine years ago but still directs Trees of Hope’s work in Africa.
Their organisation, a Community Interest Company, helps disadvantaged communities in in Zimbabwe with a plant nursery that aims to help the locals replace lost forestry
Seeing the social and ecological benefits developing from the African venture, Jane and Nick wanted to achieve something similar closer to home.
A conversation with County Councillor Sally Morgan soon had them homing in on the Heathfield Community Centre where the hedge planting is due to take place.
‘It’s just the beginning, there’s a big lob to do and we want to do that with the community’s involvement,’ said Jane, a former teacher trainer.
‘Nick and I know from our careers that involving schoolchildren can lead to their families coming on board and that’s what we’d like to see happening.
‘St Catherine’s is one of four Devon schools we’re working with and we look forward to developing our relationship with them and the wider Heathfield community.’
One of the Bovey Tracey Town Council ward members for Heathfield, Cllr Hannah Mills-Brown, said: ‘It’s wonderful that Trees of Hope has turned its attention to our community centre and we hope everyone really enjoys getting involved.’
Her fellow ward member, Cllr Lisa Robillard-Webb, added: ‘The Town Council has already said that improving facilities in Heathfield is a priority and this is a great start from an organisation we’re proud to partner with.’
Anyone wanting to get involved in the Trees of Hope initiative can email janetarr1234@gmail.com.
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