Heathlands in Bloom is one of the most popular activities with people living at Heathlands Villagers, and its success is largely thanks to a team of ace volunteers who regularly help to run the sessions.
It also goes to show what we so often tell people – that there are tons of different ways you can volunteer for The Fed – there really is something for everyone. We all have so many interests and skills which we can ‘bring to the table’.
We recently caught up with three volunteers – Jackie, Lionel and Harvey – who shared a bit about their personal interest in gardening. Thanks to their support our Villagers are enjoying regular outdoor exercise and the satisfying experience of some creative teamwork – plus our gardens are looking fuller and more colourful – for everyone’s enjoyment.
Jackie Hyams was born and brought up in Sheffield, moving to Manchester in 1983. She started volunteering for the Fed about six years ago “as a pre-retirement project”.
“I had been taking ladies shopping until lockdown but then could only do shopping for clients until the situation improved, and I am still doing that now.
Her love of gardening “came from Mum who showed me what to do when I was very young” and luckily for us she’s been sharing that love at Heathlands Village.
Recently Jackie very kindly went a step further and donated a fragrant herb box to Heathlands Village – fellow volunteers Michael Stolberg and Lionel Levy helped move it into position just outside the Village Coffee Shop. It is currently waiting for labelling for those who can’t identify their herbs by their appearance and smell!
Lionel Levy is originally from London, moving to Manchester as a toddler. Careerwise he was started out in electronics, changing to computers, and finishing work as a Systems Analyst in 2019. Lionel has a huge list of hobbies some of which including genealogy, DIY, sailing, hiking, and of course gardening: “I like to grow both veg as well as flowers – I’m currently growing tomatoes and green beans.”
As well as helping out with Heathlands in Bloom he is a member of Friends of Philips Park who maintain the park doing “anything from cutting trees to weeding and making paths”. He’s also a regular attendee of Incredible Edible in Whitefield – Which is a group of volunteers who grow fruit, herbs and vegetables in public spaces for everyone to enjoy, and help and educate others with their local projects.
Lionel heard about Heathlands in Bloom from his pal Harvey Cohen another Incredible Edible aficionado who asked him if he would join him at The Fed.
Harvey retired from taxi driving for six years now, which gives him much more time to enjoy his hobbies – especially gardening and photography. “Since my wife persuaded me to demolish our ancient shed, I was encouraged to beautify our back garden! I began volunteering at Incredible Edible at Phillips Park which widened my knowledge of nature. I then gladly accepted the chance to volunteer at The Fed for the Heathlands in Bloom
project. It means I get to share my enthusiasm with the residents who enjoy helping to plant seeds and bulbs and enjoy the fruits of their efforts.”
Harvey is keen to encourage people to join in, firmly believing it really makes a positive difference to their wellbeing.
Volunteers will always tell you that they get much more out of it than they put in. Are you ready to find out for yourself? We’d love to hear from you – even if you’re not sure what you can offer we bet we can find something that suits you, and suits your lifestyle.
Call Dalia on 0161 772 4800 or email dalia.kaufman@thefed.org.uk.