Paddington's Penfold Hub benefits from Heathrow heroes
Composter constructed, cake consumed, patio power-washed and friendships formed between Heathrow Express employees and residents of 60 Penfold Street on Thursday 10 May.
A team of eight volunteers spent the morning in the Penfold walled garden; their first task being to build a new composter. Four fans of flatpack furniture were allocated to this project, deciphering the instruction booklet and taking it in turns to break up the stoney ground where the completed composter was installed.
Their colleagues were kept busy jet-washing and sweeping the patio. As well as instantly making the garden look smarter, removing the moss and weeds has made the paving safer to walk on for the Penfold residents.
The vegetable beds also received the volunteer's attention and were planted up with broccoli, carrots, sprouts and cucumbers; ready for members of the Penfold healthy lunch club to enjoy feasting on in the coming months.
The morning’s volunteering flew past and after a quick break for lunch and last-minute cake purchases, the team set up to host an afternoon tea party, complete with some very competitive games of bingo.
The highlight of the afternoon was seeing one gentleman who moved into Penfold about three months ago take part. This was the first activity he had joined in with, so the staff were delighted to see him interacting with the other residents and volunteers. The gentleman went on to win one of the bingo games, to huge cheers of applause as he called ‘full house’.
“The Heathrow Express colleagues made a great team; not only completing all of the gardening tasks but also able to get into the tea party spirit. The residents really enjoyed the session – they have been consistently telling us so since Thursday and this would not have been possible without the commitment of the volunteers.” Dennis Kane, Penfold Community Hub Project Manager
“Heathrow Express colleagues had a very rewarding day, buidling the new composter and taking part in the tea party. Thank you to the residents of Penfold who made us feel so welcome and for playing bingo with us.” Stephen Whaley, Heathrow Express
If you are inspired and keen to volunteer with the elderly, or would like to learn about other opportunities available through the Paddington Community Programme, please contact Emily.
15.05.18
