We’re delighted to announce that we achieved ‘Outstanding’ in the 2024 East Midlands In Bloom It’s Your Neighbourhood. This wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work and commitment of all our staff, partners and volunteers who make such a huge contribution. Biggest hugs and thanks to everyone involved.
Here’s the report…
Day of visit: 3 August 2024
Assessed by: Helen Burgess
Introduction
Fearon Hall is a vibrant, multi-cultural meeting place for numerous groups ranging from Health and Wellbeing sessions to working with local asylum seekers and those with learning difficulties. It is seen as a safe, welcoming place for all who visit. Working with a local health centre has been very successful. The project is enthusiastically steered by Meg, who is always open to ideas that will benefit the community.
Section A Community Participation Marks awarded 40/40
The hub is now it the fourth year of a five year Lottery funded plan. The Princes Trust have been used again this year. There is a food bank every Saturday, a pop up shop twice a week from Fairshare and a partnership with Incredible Edible which provides vegetables from the beds by the Hall. They were hosting a Creative Community Day involving Taiwanese students. There is a partnership with the Town of Sanctuary group supporting people in hotels and offering the Hall as a social place. The café, which is now self-funding, is open in the week with a monthly vegan breakfast session.
Section B Environmental Responsibility Marks awarded 24/30
Water butts and composting are on site. There are plenty of litter and dog waste bins. I did not observe any litter present around the Hall grounds. There are many pollinator friendly perennials surrounding the Hall.
Section C Gardening Achievement Marks awarded 28/30
The outside growing space is split between Incredible Edible and the Fearon Hall gardening team which has recently been started by Tony and hius daughter Lyndsey. They are aiming to create a pollinator corridor running from the Wildlife Garden and the Parish Church. They are all well on their way with the courtyard at the back and planters at the side. Ninety percent of the flowers are grown from seed and range from wildflowers to perennials. Bulbs have been planted in the grass. Children from a local school have enjoyed a session on insects and made slate insects which are displayed in the beds.
Areas of Exceptional Achievement
New ideas for community involvement and breaking down multi-cultural barriers are always being looked at here. Well done to meg and the team.
Areas for Development
Look at your idea of the Heritage Open Day for past Hall visitors to recount their memories and experiences.
Total Marks awarded 92
Award achieved: Level 5 Outstanding