Development in Brief - June 2011

Last updated 23rd June 2011

The BEST Leader Conference took place in October last year and as part of the morning, there was a live “BEST Dragons’ Den”. The Forward for Work Team, from the Development Directorate, were bidding for funding for their sensory garden project. The team wanted to transform unused garden into a sensory garden; the area was being used as a dumping ground and needed a great deal of work doing. They wanted to create a space for students and employees to be able to relax, to stimulate activity and provide a training area for the students to practice their gardening skills.

The team gave an excellent, well researched and innovative presentation which impressed both the Dragons’ and the audience. The funding required for the project was granted and the Dragons’ also offered additional support to the project. Tarik Chawdry offered support to revamp their online presence, Raffaela Goodby and Andrew Potter both offered support to help organise their fundraising day which they wish to hold to raise extra funds for the project and promote their services. The audience felt moved by the presentation and also wanted to help this council project; two BEST Leaders offered their services to lay the slab paving for free.

The grand opening day of the Sensory Garden was Tuesday 24 May 2011 at Forward 4 Work, 6 Inkerman Street, Nechells, Birmingham B7 4SB 12.30 to 1.30pm. Cllr Alan Rudge – Cabinet Member for Equalities and Human Resources was invited to do the grand opening of the Garden. A Barbeque and soft drinks were also provided, funded by donations from their guests. It was a great day with plenty sunshine, soft music and good tasty barbeque food!!!