12/05/2008
Phoenix Centre Helps Racecourse Look Its Best
Newbury Racecourse’s ground staff were grateful for some additional green fingers on Monday (12 May) when members of the Phoenix Centre helped prepare the flower beds and spruce up the parade ring ahead of racing this weekend.
The volunteers, who all have learning disabilities, regularly attend the day centre in Newtown Road, Newbury where gardening, litter-picking and recycling are among the core activities they get involved in.
Mark Townsend, community worker at The Phoenix Centre says that being able to put their gardening skills to use in a working environment at the Racecourse was a wonderful experience for everyone.
“Gardening is a great activity for our members because it helps with motor skills, provides physical exercise and can really help develop people’s potential,” he says.
Members of the Phoenix Centre were invited to bring their gardening team along as part of Newbury Racecourse’s community programme. They did such a great job, that head groundsman, Steve Robinson is planning to invite them back.
“We all enjoyed it,” he said. “It is always busy ahead of a race meeting and everyone worked really hard. There was a lot to do.”