Greenhouse Plans Take Shape

Plans for a new greenhouse for Supported Learning students at Walsall College recently got underway, when Managing Director of Betta Buildings, Roger Summers, visited the College to take measurements.

On the day, Roger was accompanied by Vice Principal, Jat Sharma and College Governors, Madeleine Holland, Judith Ashley and Jane Preece.

The greenhouse, which will be equipped with specialist equipment that makes it accessible to wheelchair users, is being purchased with a £5000 grant from the Grassroots Grants funding scheme and is set to be built in the coming months.

The Grassroots Grants funding scheme, administered by the Birmingham and Black Country Community Foundation, supports low income groups at the very heart of local communities. Groups that are volunteer-led and have an annual turnover of less than £20,000 per annum were able to apply for a cash injection of up to £5000 to radically boost their work.

The funding was awarded to the College’s 101 Club, a registered charity initially inspired by six Walsall College students with physical and learning disabilities. The students undertook101 challenges many people take for granted to raise sponsorship money for new facilities, and the 101 Club charity is assisting the students in continuing their fundraising mission.

Deborah Tovey, Inclusive Support Manager at Walsall College and project coordinator, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded a grant for £5000 by Grassroots Grants for a greenhouse that will be accessible to all students across the College.

“Support for the project has been exceptional, far surpassing original expectations, with the Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Gary Clarke selecting ‘101’ as one of his chosen charities, along with a range of support and donations from local people and businesses. It is envisaged that the greenhouse will provide Supported Learning students with an area where they can create their own enterprise, creating and selling a range of items, such as hanging baskets.”

Chair of the 101 Club, Judith Ashley commented: “This high quality greenhouse is being supplied by a local business, specialising in all types of bespoke outdoor buildings. The students are all very keen to get the greenhouse fitted in the Supported Learning gardens. The new facility will add dignity to gardening and make it accessible to all”.