Community allotment created with care home donation

A FROME care home has donated £1000 to the Frome Allotment Association to create a community allotment space that can be used by local residents and school children.

Mark Barnes, home manager of Rossetti House, on Welshmill Lane which overlooks the allotments, presented a cheque to Neil Cameron and Mike Darville from the Frome Allotment Association at an on-site ceremony held on Monday 3rd December.

The in-demand allotments currently have a 10-year waiting list and the money will be used to create a communal space that everyone can enjoy.

Under the supervision of the association, locals will be able to grow their own vegetables and relax and enjoy the site in a new seating area. There will also be raised beds with improved access for the elderly, and part of the money will be used on the plot used by the local schools, St Louis Primary School and Vallis First School.

Home manager Mark Barnes said he was thrilled that Rossetti House could play a part in the regeneration of the Welshmill Lane area which has recently seen the construction of a new playground and BMX bike track. He said, “It’s great to be able to support a community project, particularly one that is in such demand.

“Growing vegetables is a great family activity that can be enjoyed by everyone. I am looking forward to using the space with our residents and their families.

“Welshmill Lane has a great buzz about it these days and I hope the community allotment will be at the heart of that experience. Our residents want to be out in the community and this a great way to get involved.”

Neil Cameron, from the Frome Allotment Association said that he was looking forward to the allotment becoming a community centre for all generations to enjoy. He said, “We are delighted with Gracewell Healthcare’s generous donation towards the allotments at Welshmill Lane.

“We hope that the new allotment site will enable local people to create close ties will the community in and around the allotment, chat to plot holders or just sit and enjoy the surroundings.

“We trust that this is only the beginning of a very positive relationship between Rossetti House and the association and look forward to working with Mark and his staff in the future.”

Rossetti House is a 70-bedroom suite property on Welshmill Lane, run by Gracewell Healthcare and is due to welcome its first residents this month. The home will mark the arrival of a new generation of luxurious and personalised care homes in the UK, and will combine boutique hotel interior design with leading-edge dementia and innovative specialist care facilities and services.

Just like boutique hotels, which have become very popular in recent years, the home will be defined by its style, warmth, homely experience and intimacy.

Amongst many innovative features the new home will include a luxurious hair and beauty spa, a nail bar, a chic cafe, a library and will have WiFi access throughout the home.

For more information about Rossetti House go to www.gracewell.co.uk

Pictured: front row, l-r, Janet Richardson (Grace-well Healthcare), Mike Darville (Vice Chair FAA), Mark Barnes (home manager, Rossetti House), Neil Cameron (Chair FAA),  Kerry and Joe (Vallis First School),  Al Hayes (Gracewell Healthcare), Alistair Wood (treasurer, FAA) Back row, l-r, John Gale (Highwood), Richard White (Solent)