Thursday 21st May saw Angela Roberts, and her enthusiastic team from Store Operations, Home Retail Group complete a community project – they rolled up their sleeves and got stuck in clearing ivy from the pathways, weeding, pruning and making bonfires at the Wolverton Secret Garden!

The difference they made was huge and it was very much appreciated by the Secret Garden.

Roger Kitchen, one of a small group of ageing volunteers maintaining the Secret Garden said

‘The group have made such a difference, there is a huge visible impact. They shared some great ideas about creating a seating area so hopefully people will come and enjoy the space. The sun is shining and the place is transformed’

Angela Roberts, Team Leader said

“As a team we wanted to make a difference and have something tangible where we could see at the end of the day the difference we had made. As a team very few of us live in Milton Keynes and this is the first opportunity we have had to spend time getting to know each other outside of the office, it is a real team bonding event’

Angela also explained her family connection with Wolverton as both her Father and Grandfather had links to Wolverton Works so it felt important to give something back where she had family involvement.

Another team member said

‘We definitely have blisters and scratches from today but it’s been worth it! At one point we got a fire going to burn all the ivy that we had cut down and the men in particular enjoyed their cave man like moment’!

This is one example of the incredible difference that businesses can make when they work together with communities. If you are a business and want to know more or if you know of a group that could benefit from a range of skills and support from volunteers please get in touch with Community Action: MK.