Dave Barber
As the recently elected Chairperson of this amazing group of people, I thank you for finding our website.
My wife and I moved into the area in 2018.
Whilst exploring the area before purchase, we stumbled across a group of people busily working away on an area we now know as the extraordinary Grade 2 listed Winterstoke Gardens.
We donated to their cause, and asked how we could join after we moved in. It was surprisingly easy!
Just turn up on the days, usually every Wednesday and every other Saturday morning between 10-12 and enjoy it !!
Gardening expertise isn’t required. Tools and hi viz vests are supplied 👍.
After a few months I joined the committee and eventually become vice chair to Clara Gibson.
Clara has now stepped down from a very long stint in the role and I was then duly elected as the new Chairperson.
Clara will be a tough act to follow. Thank you Clara!
Our Achievements:
We twice entered the South & South East in Bloom competition, in 2021 and 2022, winning a Silver Gilt Award both years. We also received the coveted ‘Judges’ Award’ in 2021.
We were the first area in Thanet to have ‘chat benches’ in support of mental health.
We have also repaired the benches down the Chine and repainted the benches along the top area; this work has been achieved alongside weeding, edging, buying and planting new plants.
The Future:
So for the future it’s quite simple!
We aim to continue our work, which actually resembles painting the Forth Bridge, when you have finished at one end, you start back at the other 😀
Whilst working there, many passers by comment on how they much they enjoy the Gardens.
If you’re passing while our amazing volunteers are at work, please feel free to chat and ask any questions you might have - whether it’s chit chat, History related or even how to come and join us.
We look forward to meeting you soon.
Dave.