A TEAM of dedicated cadets from Billericay has transformed the neglected garden of a care home into a beautiful outdoor space.
The Royal Air force Cadets 2393 Squadron (Billericay) have been working on the project since the start of the year and were pleased to show the Gazette the outcome of all their hard work.
The 30 members, from 13 to 18 years of age, took on the make-over of the garden of Church View care home in Laindon Road so that it could become a usable space for staff and residents to enjoy.
Peter Kent, civilian instructor for the group, said: "They care for severely disabled people and the staff work with them 24 hours a day.
"During the summer months they like to come outside but it was a bit of a mess for them before. Now it is completely transformed.
"The cadets cleaned up the rubbish and junk in the garden and dug out the areas they wanted to plant in. They tidied up the swing seat which was in a poor state and the table so that residents can sit outside and enjoy the garden.
"The team has done lots of gardening and have been busy planting flowers."
The project started in January where they carried out an initial review of the area and discussed what needed to be done to improve the outdoor space.
Mr Kent continued: "The staff are delighted they can now use the place.
"Once it is completed we will set up a maintenance programme so the area is kept in a good condition."
Mr Kent explained that each member is expected to play their part in community work.
The cadets also take part in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme and this sort of project counts towards the qualification.
Mr Kent said: "We try to teach them a little about gardening as half of them have never put a plant in the ground, so it is a training programme as well as a community project.
"We do have lots of fun and take part in many different activities. We take them flying – gliding at the RAF camps and join in with the servicemen.
"And we take them here, there and everywhere – for instance we will be taking the group to Snowdonia where we will be hill walking, climbing and doing water sports.
"If they pass all their exams with us they come out with a BTEC in Aviation Studies which is an added bonus."
Brian Gennings, the chaplain of the cadets, added: "They are a very good group and do an awful lot for the community. It builds up young people to be good citizens and be caring."
Care home support worker Michelle Clapp said the appearance of the garden had been "transformed" by the volunteers. She said: "Before the cadets arrived the garden was overgrown with very few flowers.
"Now there are lots of flowers and it looks neat and tidy for everyone to go out and enjoy."
There will be an open day on Thursday, September 12 for those interested in becoming a cadet. Members only have to pay a small sum in subs and those interested in joining and taking part in the open day should call 01277 652794.
