‘It was really lovely’ – Royston Tesco community team give care home garden a summer makeover

Royston's Tesco community champion Mandy Jinkerson, bottom right, with colleagues giving Richard Cox House garden a makeover. (Image: Archant)

On Monday last week, community champion Mandy Jinkerson and Jessica Pike, community champion executive from Tesco’s head office, were joined by a group of cheerful staff.

Mandy said: “We have been working with Richard Cox House over the last year, supporting them at events. We took along the community team and supplies and spent the day rubbing down garden furniture, sheds, chairs and benches.

“We painted them in bright, cheerful colours to represent a beach hut theme.

“We chatted with residents, a few came out to see what we were doing and one even had lunch with us so it was really lovely.

The tesco team get stuck in painting the shed. (Image: Archant)

“Our team members found it very rewarding. There were smiles all round, and the team were enjoying it despite the weather.

“The residents were delighted with their new look garden furniture.

“It is very important to the community team to be able to take part in activities like this because there is a real need in the community.

“If we as a group can do something about this then we will, coming together and making a difference is what it’s all about.”

The Tesco team painting garden furniture. (Image: Archant)

This is just the start of the garden project at the home as Tesco are returning next week with a further donation of bedding plants, new pots, shrubs and loads more garden accessories.

If the weather is nice some of the green-fingered residents are keen to help the Tesco team with the planting.

Richard Cox House is managed by not-for-profit Herts-based care provider Quantum Care.

A spokeswoman said: “Our residents enjoy spending time in the garden, enjoying fresh air, looking at the flowers, and sitting chatting with visiting friends and family members.

The Tesco community team with residents at Richard Cox House. (Image: Archant)

“It’s a great space that will be even more popular now since it has been spruced up. Mandy and her team from Tesco have been amazing and are always keen to help us.”

The makeover will be completed for the home’s annual garden party on August 27 where there will be a barbecue, stalls, a tombola, raffle, and fun for children.

See www.quantumcare.co.uk/care-homes/richard-cox-house for more information on the home.