Maltby: Appeal for help with day centre path

Clients and staff at the Addison Day Centre are working hard to create an outdoor space that can be used by everyone - including wheelchair users.

But despite everyone’s valiant attempts, progress is slow.

“We have a group of clients who work with John, our landscaping expert, whenever they can building a paved path all the way around our garden,” said Mrs Valerie Smith, whose son Nigel attends the centre.

“It’s heartening to see them putting in so much effort. They all have difficulties, some physical some mental, but they put in 100 per cent.”

Mrs Smith said the path project had been a work in progress for nearly two years.

“We desperately need some help, whether it’s man power or materials to get the job finished.”

“We have a great garden space out there and it will be fantastic to see everyone able to access it and enjoy it.”

Around 130 people attend the Addison Centre from all across the Rotherham Borough, and further afield.

Community facilitator Karen Gordon said: “It’s a lovely community up here. We have all sorts going on from crafts and gardening to sport and outdoor activities.

The Brambles group is a venture which aims to bear fruit in the not-too-distant future.

“It’s part crafts and part gardening,” said Karen.

“We’ve just had a log cabin built and we’ve already got poly tunnels where we have tomatoes and other plants growing.”

“Eventually we’d like the clients to be able to sell the things that they make, whether that be fruit and veg, plants or hanging baskets, or cards and other crafts.”

“Once the outside space is ready we’ll be able to open it up and people can come and shop with us. It gives our clients real satisfaction when they sell something they have made. It’s brilliant.”

• If you can spare just a few hours to help with the garden path project, or would like to donate paving slabs, concrete or other tools and materials contact the Addison Centre on 01709 812358.