YOUNG gardeners in Orton were able to meet and thank some of those responsible for their impressive new Potting Shed at a garden party and HM Queen’s birthday celebration on Friday (10 June). 

Mrs Jill Bawden (aka HM The Queen for the day) was welcomed as guest of honour and the Potting Shed was officially opened by Mrs Mary Jenkin.

The Potting Shed project has been over 18 months in the planning and the larch and cedar building was recently completed by local craftsman, Mick Hoff. 

Much more than just a shed for potting up seedlings, the Potting Shed is a light and airy space that is big enough for groups of children from the Orton School’s after school gardening club to learn more about plants, science and gardening in an inspiring environment and whatever the weather or season.

Mrs Mary Jenkin, a member of All Saints’ Church PCC in Orton, is one of two local women who have been particularly involved in fundraising for the project.  “I managed to make contact with the descendants of Dr Norman Gibson at a time when the village Liberal Club building, owned by the Gibson family, was being sold,” she explained. 

“In the past, rent from this building had gone to support the youth of the village and the Gibson family, who now run a large nursery and cut flower farm in Australia, were keen to make a donation from the sale proceeds to continue that connection to children and young people here in Orton. 

Given the family’s own gardening heritage, the Potting Shed proved an ideal project and the family donated a significant amount towards the total costs.”

Raising the rest of the money required has been an ongoing project for local volunteer and very good friend of the school, Mrs Jill Bawden.  “Various local businesses and funds have donated money or items for fundraising,” said Jill, “and the Friends of Orton School have also done bag packing, cake stalls and a grand draw raffle. 

We even had one contact, John Upton, who donated a camera to be sold in aid of the project.  We’d particularly like to thank Cumbria County Council and the Westmorland Fund (adminstered by Cumbria Community Foundation) for their financial donations to the Potting Shed and thanks also go to Metcalf Plant Hire, Asda, Sainsburys, Scotmid, Thermafleece wool insulation and B&Q for their continuing support and invaluable donations in kind.”

The After School Club is run by a team from the school staff along with friends and parents.  The gardening club is organised by Abi and Pete Clark, whose two daughters are pupils at the school.  Head teacher, Mrs Kate Arnold, is keen for the children to use the outdoor spaces around the school as much as possible and has seen the potential for fun as well as learning in the gardens.

“We’re very lucky to have people in our community who are so willing to contribute to the range of activities for Orton School children,” she said.

 “Jill and Mary’s work to research, approach and then generate so much funding for the Potting Shed has been amazing.  Our children love working outside and are very proud of their garden so this has been a lovely project and we’re very grateful to everyone who has supported it.”