Opening of New Sensory Garden at Craw Wood Care Home
Date: 17/05/2011
Official Opening by Rt Hon Michael Moore MP Secretary of State for Scotland at 92-96 Craw Wood, Tweedbank at 1.30 pm Friday 13 May 2011
The Rt Hon Michael Moore MP, Secretary of State for Scotland, was invited by the 'Friends of Craw Wood' to officially open their new sensory garden at Craw Wood, Eildon Housing Association's Care Home for the elderly suffering from dementia and Alzheimer's. The official opening also coincided with the 15th anniversary of Eildon opening the Care Home.
The group, "Friends of Craw Wood" which was set up in 2009 and headed by the late Christine Herkes, whose husband is a resident at Craw Wood, was created to support the residents' daily activities and give extra funding for special treats such as days out and bringing in entertainment for the residents. In the past few years many events have been held such as coffee mornings, and evening events to raise money as well as the many kind donations from the friends and family members of the residents of Craw Wood.
Towards the end of 2009, the idea of re-designing the residents' garden was suggested in the hope of turning it into a sensory garden for the residents to enjoy. Thankfully a grant from "Awards for All Scotland" made this possible. The injection of grant funding allowed the garden to be landscaped with specific plants to stimulate the senses and provide a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. New turf was laid and a pergola created for residents to sit out and enjoy the sunshine.
During the completion of the garden, professional gardeners and landscapers were employed as well as a great deal of help from students studying at Borders College, who kindly volunteered their time and gave valuable help and advice along the way.
Very sadly, Christine Herkes passed away in the summer of 2010 but the completion of the garden is a testament to her initial aspirations back when the project started in 2009. It has also been made possible by the members of the 'Friends of Craw Wood' who have worked hard for the past two years and given their time voluntarily to help with the group from fundraising to planting.
Specific thanks go to Keith Wight, Liz Egan, Morag Anderson, Becky Egan and Muriel Johnston who have all helped to make the sensory garden a reality. Also, Grant Morrison from Grant Morrison Stonecraft and Nigel Gibb from Borders College who have helped to plan and create the garden space.
For further information contact:
Nile Istephan
Chief Executive
Eildon Group
Tel: 01750 725900 (Selkirk Office)