Clive - Garden Volunteer
Farleigh's longest-serving volunteer gardener, Clive, has volunteered for us weekly on Tuesdays for 23 years. He tells us why he volunteers at Farleigh and enjoys it as much as he did when he first joined.
What year did you begin volunteering at Farleigh Hospice?
I have been a volunteer for Farleigh since 2001. I went for the interview with Mark Palmer the Facilities Manager when Farleigh was still at New London Road but by the time my volunteer role was all organised, it was at North Court Road.
Why did you decide to become a garden volunteer at Farleigh?
Previously, I was a stockbroker (which is completely different to this!) and I used to work on the market floor before we moved up into offices. After that, I worked from home for the next ten years. It was a gradual process of retiring, but I still wanted to do something with my time, so I took it from there.
I have always felt this was a worthwhile project and charity to do this for. I couldn't work in the Inpatient Unit, but outside I felt I could contribute something.
What do you enjoy about helping here at Farleigh?
The camaraderie and seeing something at the end of the day that is worthwhile. You've got all the colleagues you're working with and you're producing a garden with some beautiful flowers.
What are the tasks you carry out and which ones do you enjoy the most?
Although weeding isn't very popular, to keep a nice and neat garden it has to be done regardless. I am tending to do more work in the greenhouse now. I spend a lot of my time there.
In the greenhouse we currently have geraniums - I have saved about 150 of them. We tend to get a lot of plugs (little seedlings) which I bought with my own money. We have loads of them and they are coming along great! I have also prepared the tomatoes that are growing in pots in and around the greenhouse - thanks to Tesco and B&Q who have both been very generous by donating plants to us.
Of course, some plants need replacing in the winter months after we lose them due to the weather, but the gardens are thankfully well-stocked at the moment.
Were you a keen gardener before you came to Farleigh?
Yes, I was. We have a reasonably sized garden at home, and sometimes we open our garden for the Open Gardens event.
[You can visit Clive's garden at our Springfield Open Gardens 2024 event.]
What are your favourite memories over the years of working in the gardens?
Other than meeting people who were able to contribute to the gardens in different capacities, I have also enjoyed seeing it develop over the years because it started very basic with only one or two little garden areas. During COVID times and shortly after, we were struggling sometimes to maintain them. They weren't looking as good as they do now, and it is lovely to see people enjoying the gardens again. We are seeing more people - whether visitors, patients or staff coming out to have a wander around the gardens.
What benefits do you think you get from volunteering?
It's that satisfaction you get when you have contributed towards something and making the place look nicer, and it keeps me active for sure. It is also beneficial to meet other people because when there is a job you cannot do, somebody is usually around who say that they will help. Andy and Steve in the maintenance team are also helping us have a good team.
Is there a particular part of the garden you look at and are the proudest of?
There isn't just one area that I think of, but I think the Secret Garden is nice but sadly underused - perhaps it's too secret! I remember speaking to two nurses who were sitting outside eating a sandwich, and I mentioned sitting in the Secret Garden and they didn't even know it was there! There are some lovely parts of the garden.
If someone was considering volunteering for Farleigh in the gardens, what would you say to them?
If they enjoy gardening and enjoy the camaraderie of being with people helping out then it is worth coming along and doing what you can. There is no expectation that you have to do things in a certain time, you can do what you can in the amount of time you want to spend on it.
A nice bonus is we usually take turns bringing a packet of biscuits to snack on, whilst drinking a cup of coffee.
How do I find out more about becoming a volunteer?
For more information on any of our volunteer roles, or to find out more about volunteering with Farleigh Hospice, please contact our Volunteering Team on 01245 933735 or email us at volunteer@farleighhospice.org