Reviewed amongst over 1,600 entrants, the Pioneering Care Centre’s (PCC) Community Garden is a shining example of community spirit.
Based at the Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP)’s PCC, the Community Garden in Newton Aycliffe has ‘seeded’ success from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and Northumbria in Bloom competition, with a ‘2021 It’s Your Neighbourhood Award of Level 5 – Outstanding’.
Following an extensive awarding process, PCP’s lead community volunteer, David Cockburn, attended the RHS awarding ceremony to celebrate the achievement, and said: “The Community Garden’s success is a testament to the fantastic work of our staff and volunteers who dedicate their time to transform and maintain the area.
“We grow vegetables and fruit, and have a beautiful selection of plants and flowers that are used for sensory education and require a lot of care and attention.
“The recognition truly showcases the wonderful community work that has taken place over time to create such a striking Community Garden for local people to enjoy.”
The support of volunteers and staff is ongoing, as this is the second time the PCC’s Community Garden has been recognised at an ‘Outstanding Level’.
PCP joins organisations recognised nationwide through a community gardening campaign that’s improved the local environment and transformed cities, towns and villages since 1964.
PCP chief executive Carol Gaskarth said: “PCP’s outstanding team of volunteers have offered over 9,000 hours of support to projects and services across the North East, including our prestigious Community Garden.
“Without the support of our volunteers we wouldn’t be able to achieve half of the fantastic things we have.”