If you drive south down Summerhouse Lane in Patchetts Green and turn left at the end into Hillfield Lane you will find a large brick wall on your left with an imposing set of gates. I must have passed these gates a thousand times over the years and never have I given them a second thought.    

This is the entrance to Delrow House, one of a number of properties run by the Camphill Village Trust, and 49 adults with learning difficulties live here along with their carers. They also welcome a number of day visitors.

Earlier this year I was approached by the father of one of the residents who informed me that they had recently had a grant that resulted in a big garden makeover and that he believed they needed more people to help out in the gardens. 

I duly toddled on up there and was very impressed to find a an array of brand new paths, raised beds, polytunnels (three), a greenhouse, a chicken pen, various garden structures along with an existing orchard and a large wildflower meadow.

I met the head gardener Howard Spiers and he showed me round. He only has two assistants (both Lithuanian) and between them they struggle to maintain the grounds and four satellite properties in Summerhouse Lane so any help is appreciated. 

I canvassed among our members and eventually got three willing helpers in Robin Crosher, Louise Bunge and Julia McNerney and we have all been doing a few hours a week ever since and a very rewarding job it is too.

Most of our work involves weeding and maintaining the plants. We often start in the very productive polytunnels and when they become too hot we move outside.

There is an almost inexhaustible supply of work at Delrow and we would love a few more volunteers to join our happy band. If you can spare a few hours a week then please give me a ring. 
Peter Hordern

The volunteers - Louise Bunge, Julia McNerney,
​Robin Crosher and the author

Two of the residents, Louise, Julia, and the head gardener Howard Spiers