A NEW focal point for the community in Carrbrook is finally up and running after the gates were opened.
Take one former dancefloor, one cabin being lifted and turned 90 degrees and a whole lot of desire, effort and hard work over more than a year and you get the YouCan Community Garden on Crowswood Drive.
Already it has proved a hit, with children making hanging baskets, afternoon teas being held on the decking area and planters, which are made off part of the former Buckton Castle pub which once stood yards away, filled and on show.
But things are not over yet. A children’s area, or phase four as it is dubbed, is on the agenda for one part of the site.
However, for Terry Drabble, one of the people behind the project, just being able to welcome people in was a proud moment, with part of it having a personal meaning.
One of the planters is in the shape of a teacup with an owl from late sister Janet Barker’s garden standing next to it.
Terry, 74, said: “The transformation is unbelievable but I want to do phase four, the children’s area.
“Even through Covid-19 we’ve done phases one, two and three. People love it and I’m very pleased. A lot of hard work went into it just from a small number of us.
“There’s 10 tonnes of chipping from Buckton Vale Quarry gone down and seven tonnes of topsoil gone into the planters.
“We’ve had to build the new decking area and varnish it twice. There’s also a new kitchen area in the cabin – a lot of work.
“But to see people come in is unbelievable. It’s for the community – not just for Carrbrook but for everyone.
“We’ve still not finished, though. It’s an ongoing project.”
Now the garden is open, it is being put to use with the neighbouring Carrbrook Community Hub holding a number of activities there.
Tea and toast sessions on Monday and Wednesday will be there, weather permitting, while armchair exercise and tai chi classes will also move to the new space.
Diane Shepley Newton, of the hub and one of several members at the opening, could not down play the garden’s impact.
She said: “It’s fantastic. Being able to see everybody again after all this time and such great support is fabulous.
“All the volunteers have been brilliant. We’ve had younger people helping too and it’s all been worth it.
“The community can come here and just sit and look around, they can sit on their own if they like or with others. It’s up to them.
“We’re doing some of the Hub activities on here as the building is closed at the moment.
“It was a lot of work as they had to dig it out, turn the cabin around and it’s all been done by volunteers. The Prince’s Trust came and did some planting and painting too.
“Roy Taylor at Buckton Vale Quarry has also donated the stones while other have contributed other materials.
“It’s lovely. Everyone’s done a great job.”