Published on: Tuesday, 17 July 2018
Last updated: Tuesday, 17 July 2018
Community volunteers have rallied round to create a wildlife friendly garden at Great Bentley station, and installed a mural to welcome passengers.
The project, led by station adopter Suzy and the Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership, has seen a beautiful garden created at the station, complete with an insect hive and bee friendly planter complete with plants, provided by The Bee Friendly Trust.
As the finishing touch Raymond, who volunteers in the garden, was asked to create a painting of a seaside scene, reflecting the ‘Sunshine Coast Line’ on which Great Bentley station is situated.
The mural and a plaque were installed at the station on 21 June 2018.
Raymond, a resident of Thors Park hospital in Thorrington which provides care and rehabilitation for men with learning difficulties, commented that he was “thrilled and happy that my work is now being displayed for all to see.”
Terri Ryland, the Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership Officer, said, “It’s great to see community spirit thriving at Great Bentley station, bringing benefits for residents and wildlife alike. Over the years the station has grown in beauty and commuters often stop and talk to Raymond and Suzy about how pleased they are with the garden. The new painting adds a lovely finishing touch and really gives you a seaside feeling!”
The Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership works to keep local rail lines, and the communities around them, thriving.
Members of the partnership include Greater Anglia and Essex County Council.