Wheatsheaf Trust’s work at Town Quay Park

In July this year a team of trainees from Wheatsheaf Trust‘s construction skills workshop painted the railings surrounding the Huguenot Garden in Town Quay Park.

Commissioned by Southampton City Council, the job took two weeks with the trainees working their three days a week allocated to their training programme on the project.

Dave Eyres, Wheatsheaf Trust Site Supervisor: “It was an important job to do for the city as it looked dull and miserable before, with the railings rusting, and a coat of paint really pulled it in.

“Now people can sit there and look around and see that everything’s nice and tidy and clear.

“We also decided to paint the vault gate because we knew a party of French  were coming on a visit to see the garden that’s a gift from the people of France, and the gate needed painting too.”

Trainee Anthony: “I enjoyed working on the project. It was interesting painting something that’s old and has history.

“I wouldn’t mind doing more stuff like it.”

Jonathan Cheshire, Chief Executive Wheatsheaf Trust: “We are very pleased to be able to help restore this fascinating part of Southampton’s heritage. The Huguenot Garden is a reminder of Southampton’s long historical relationship with France, whilst these young people, gaining valuable skills and experience, represent its future.”

The five trainees who took part in the project were all employed on the Trust’s Supported Work Experience and Training programme (SWEAT), which is delivered in partnership with Southampton City Council and Hampshire County Council, and funded by the Department of Work and Pensions. It offers six month paid work placements, progression workshops and 1-1 support for 18-24 year-olds.
For more information about SWEAT or other services and facilities provided at Wheatsheaf Trust centres, phone 023 8023 7662.

Notes on Wheatsheaf Trust:

Wheatsheaf Trust is a charity working to promote social inclusion in some of the most disadvantaged areas of Hampshire, through providing employment access centres and programmes to support people who are unemployed or in work but on a low wage, helping them to find work or training/re-skilling opportunities.

Centres are staffed by qualified advisers and offer free facilities for job/training course search.

Client programmes are tailor-made to meet individual needs and include access to numeracy, literacy, social and vocational skills learning, and work experience placements.

Wheatsheaf runs in-house courses to address issues experienced by specific groups, such as lone parents, over 50s, and to enhance job-search skills. The construction skills workshop in the basement at the Bernard Street centre teaches basic industry skills in bricklaying, carpentry and painting.

Three of our programmes support young people, for ages ranging from 13-19.

For more information about the work of Wheatsheaf Trust phone 023 8023 7662 or visit the website,
> www.wheatsheaftrust.org.

Designs for Improving the Park

At the August 1st 'Picnic in the Park', attendees had the first chance to see the design ideas for improving both the planting of the park and a set of ideas - with differing levels of ambition - for transforming the Huguenot Garden.

Everyone was impressed by the creativity shown by Cliff in coming up with plans that could really brighten up that corner of the park within the existing budget. All those present were inspired by the further potential developments which are aspirational at the moment but may be achievable in the future. Comments on the suggestions board showed how carefully and appreciatively people had considered the plans. Huge thanks to Cliff and John Horton for giving us their time on a Sunday.

> See the designs for maintenance of the Huguenot Garden (pdf)

> See the designs for the planting pallette (pdf)

> See the options for transforming the Huguenot Garden (pdf)

> See the concept for the Huguenot Garden Parterre (pdf)

> See comments from attendees (pdf)

If you would like to comment on the proposals, please visit our Facebook page.

Improving Town Quay Park

July 2010

Committee members are meeting with the Parks Department at Southampton City Council to discuss ways of improving the appearance of the Park. This is starting with a plan to refurbish the Huguenot garden.

An event marking the Huguenot’s connection with Town Quay is planned for 1st August 2010 to link with national Love Parks Week.

Protecting the Park

July 2010

In June 2010 FTQP submitted an application to Southampton City Council requesting that Town Quay Park be granted Town Green status. Local residents submitted evidence forms showing how important the Park is to them, and their continuous use of the Park over a 50 year period.

A Town Green is an urban equivalent to a Village Green and gives the land added protection from development. The Council will decide whether to grant Town Green status, or whether the application needs to go to a public enquiry.

FTQP will be keeping a watchful eye on developments and do all they can, with the local community’s support, to preserve the Park for the community, visitors and future generations.

Get involved

• Become a member - every person who joins us helps us to save Town Quay Park.
• Come to an event and show how important the park is to you
• Help improve the Park, preserve the Park, organise events, share your ideas - contact us.
• Share your views with us and on Facebook too!