from 2014
The co-operation of neighbours is a remarkable part of life around the lodge . Two neighbouring churches cooperating in the use of land by the lodge astounded one of the building sub-contractors . It was something he reckoned that should be broadcast on TV .
Newton Street neighbours were no doubt accustomed to enjoying the open space where the lodge now stands . Now they have grown to appreciate their new neighbours and using the foot path under the sheoak trees that shadow the north east side of the lodge . Trees that set a limit on where the lodge could be built and seek to expand their presence as their seedlings shoot up in the garden beds around the lodge .
The garden beds provide joy and constant challenge as : flowers , shrubs , vegetables and fruit trees all grow and require attention .
Volunteers from resident family members , St Margaret ’ s and staff from UnitingCare bring many valuable contributions to the life in the lodge and some of these involve the garden around it . One example of this was a meal prepared for a party in the lodge , by a volunteer with several dishes made from food grown in the lodge gardens with the care of a resident .
Care of the garden has also been greatly helped by students from Black Mountain School who have been developing their practical horticultural skills in the lodge gardens .
There will , no doubt , be continuing challenges as life in and around the lodge evolves and the Management Committee , the Resident ’ s Group and UnitingCare take up the challenges .
- Peter Biggs
Blessing the mosaic , 2014 Photo by Brian Rope
St Margaret ’ s News 23 RWL Special Issue