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Jeanne inspires new green oasis

24/ 9/2008

A WASTELAND has been transformed into an oasis by estate residents.

The idea was taken from the peace garden at Christie Hospital where Jeanne Smith, 54, of Kendal Terrace, Dukinfield was battling with breast cancer.

Jeanne’s idea to create a garden in the Central Estate in Dukinfield was backed by residents and New Charter Housing, who provided funding for the project.

She said cancer had left her feeling depressed. And when she moved into the estate just days before her diagnosis in 2006 she said she felt like a ‘loner’ in the community.

But her involvement in the project helped her recovery ‘immeasurably’ and she feels the scheme has changed people’s attitudes just as much as the landscape.

Now with the help of a community service team, the project, which began in February this year, has been completed. And everyone turned out to welcome the Mayor of Tameside Jack Davies and two minature American ponies, Dixie and Dinky perform the official opening on Saturday.

"The estate was not always a nice place to be, it feels like we are taking back the land and recycling it," said Jeanne. "Everyone got something positive out of it and it has helped to create a real feel of community," said Jeanne.

The community service team gained a HND in landscape gardening and funding from New Charter will help the residents gain similar qualifications in order to maintain their garden.

But the official opening was tinged with sadness as the residents learned they had lost the funding for the continuing services of the community service team.

"It is just a real shame that we have lost the funding for the community service," Jeanne said.

"Many of the lads involved enjoyed it so much, they want to make a career out of it.The help from the community service made a huge difference to the scheme and, without it residents are uncertain about the possibility of future projects. "