November 24, 2011
A father and son from Uddingston who took over gardening work from a private contractor have scooped an award for transforming the gardens in their street.
Gardening dream team Jim Hannah and his son Ryan from Angela Way have picked up an intermediate award from Beautiful Scotland after just six months.
Forty eight year old Jim who walks with sticks after an accident working on a farm years ago said working on the gardens at Angela Way has boosted his self confidence.
"I have always liked working outside. And it's good to see we have made a huge difference to the area. The tenants group talked about the money that was being paid to a private contractor for just cutting the grass and we realised we could do more. We put it to our housing officer at Blackwood and they went for it."
Jim and his 23 year old son Ryan took on the gardening after landlord Blackwood Housing welcomed the initiative shown by the tenants and offered to pay the money for the gardening to the local residents association.
It was local tenant Allan Muir who had the idea that the community could do more with the gardens than just cut the grass.
The 93 year old was the first resident at Angela Way when it was built over 20 years ago. "I have always loved gardening and I still look after the second bit of the shared garden space. It's imporatant to take pride in the place."
Allan joined Jim and Ryan at a presentation of the Developing Status award by Beautiful Scotland on 16th November.
Tenants and locals passing through often comment on the dramatic difference in the area. Jim said, "After we satrted we got really into it. It was a lot of work at the start clearing up dead trees and bushes. We filled a trailer every few days for about two weeks! Folk who pass through stop to comment on how great it looks. It builds you up inside. You know you are making a difference."
The pair are now looking for support from local businesses and inviting schools to get involved. Jim said, "We are hoping to get solar powered fairy lights for it and make a nice display for everybody to enjoy. And we want to work with the school to see if pupils will create a mural on one of the walls."
Walter Silcock from the Uddingston Pride Group is on the advisory group for Beautiful Scotland. He said, "It's a remarkable achievement by two individuals to achieve intermediate level after just a few months. They have given the community an opportunity to enjoy their outdoor space all year round. It's a feel good factor for the residents when things look good outside and inside their homes."
Angela Way was part of the bid for the Britain in Bloom award which Uddingston won on 25th September at a ceremony in St Andrews.
Developed by Mercurytide
