On the path to fund raising..
Following on from my last blog and the importance of funding, the pathways in the Matson Rose Garden had been neglected for numerous years and the cost to deal with overgrown vegetation (primarily overgrown grass and weeds) was an enormous task to rectify with a small voluntary group. So, I was again drawn to seeking financial support to help with our planned improvements.
In this case, I applied for a £5,000 grant from the ‘Build Back Better’ Councillor Scheme and our application was kindly sponsored by Councillor Alastair Chambers, who has been supporting and following our restoration project from the start. After all due process was carried out by the Build Back Better Project Team with Gloucestershire County Council, we were awarded our grant of £5,000 at the end of March 2025.
Because Even Gardens Need a Budget and a Dream!
Now I had the money safely banked with GL Communities, we could progress our plan to invest and improve the pathways. Our initial plan involved removing all the vegetation, removing the damaged kerb edging and then re-surfacing with new binding gravel, especially the access pathways leading to the gates on Matson Avenue.
So far, we have recently had all the paths cleared of vegetation by the help of a local contractor with his mini-digger and this alone has made the pathways look an 100% better.
We also had the support of Ubico, in particular Shannon (Ubico Gardener) and Phil (Ubico Tractor Driver) who kindly helped us to remove the vegetation to the top end of the park. All waste generated will be recycled at a later date.
Now that phase one (e.g. removing the vegetation) is complete, we plan to have the pathways by Matson Avenue gateways repaired; as these pathways have eroded over time and become uneven and difficult for wheelchair users, mothers with pushchairs and mobility scooters, etc.
It is hoped that these works will take place before the end of June 2025. Again, the Rose Garden will be locked when essential works are taking place to protect the general public. Enjoy Summer in the Rose Garden and please read the noticeboards regarding the closure dates.
On a final note, I would like to thank GL Communities, Gloucester County Council, Gloucester City Council, Ubico and Alastair Chambers who have provided advice, support and grant funding to help make the Rose Garden a welcoming outdoor space for the whole community.
