Mawsley Celebration Ceremony, Scholars Row, Mawsley, Kettering, Northants NN14 1GZ

Pupils from Mawsley School got to show off their green fingers when they unveiled their new garden. The garden is the result of a £1,500 donation from Bedfordshire Pilgrims Housing Association (bpha) to pay for the seeds and tools needed to help bring the project to fruition.

In a ribbon-cutting ceremony presided over by the Mayor of Kettering, the garden was officially opened and guests invited to plant trees and shrubs on the site. The event was also attended by John Cross, Chief Executive of bpha (which owns the affordable housing in Mawsley Village) and Margaret Allen, Regional Director for the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). The HCA provided a grant to assist with the financing of the affordable housing.

Elaine Wright, Headteacher at Mawsley School said: “The garden is the result of much hard work from pupils, teaching assistants and teachers. It will be tended by the children themselves and this will help teach them more about wildlife and the environment. We are grateful to bpha for helping us make this happen.”

Including a shed, raised planters and plant pots, the garden began to take root in October last year when pupils helped to plant seeds, bulbs and shrubs, much of which is now in bloom. In addition, all pupils were asked to submit designs for the seed packets. Two designs were selected and the two winners were awarded a framed picture of their designs and a box of chocolate eggs.

John Cross said: “We have completed the last phase of a total of 112 affordable homes in Mawsley Village. It is in a prime location close to shops and other amenities and we really feel we are helping to establish a solid community here. Mawsley School was kind enough to allow us to hold various consultation events during the planning of the new homes, and our donation for the garden was in recognition of the school’s kind assistance.

Margaret Allen, regional director for the HCA East Midlands, said: “We are delighted to see that our investments in high quality affordable housing are also benefitting the wider community. Mawsley Village is a great example of our primary aim, which is to develop thriving places where people want to, and can afford to, live and enjoy.”

If you would like more information, contact Suzanne Miller on 01234 791 036.