Gardening project grows with airport’s support

15 August 2012

A local gardening project has received a boost from the BAA Communities Trust on behalf of Southampton Airport.

MOWtivation run by STAR4Locals, is a gardening service that currently sees six local disadvantaged people offering gardening services to 16 older Eastleigh and Chandlers Ford residents who are unable to maintain their gardens themselves.

The donation from The BAA Communities Trust covered the cost of purchasing various items of gardening equipment to be used by the team including a mower, shredder, leaf blower and protective clothing.  It will also cover the training of using the equipment, as well as training in grass care, weeding, pruning and customer care.

BAA Community Trust panel member and Southampton Airport Facilities Manager, Martin Ratcliffe said, “We were immediately struck by the wonderful synergy between offering training to disadvantaged people through a project that helps look after some of the most vulnerable people in our community.  The donation will not only help deliver training to those currently involved, but through the equipment purchase help ensure that the project has a future.”
Janie Brown, STAR4Locals commented, "Although the weather has been the biggest challenge to the MOWtivation team this summer, we've still managed to provide the service our customers have wanted and we've been pleased to increase our customer base as well as take on new grounds maintenance work."

The BAA Communities Trust panel meets three times a year to consider bids up to £5000 from local projects.  The deadline for applications for the next meeting is 21st August.  Further information, and the trusts criteria, can be found via:  www.southamptonairport.com/community.