St Mungo’s create garden at Whitecross estate

Published: 3rd June, 2011
by PETER GRUNER

PEOPLE from a homeless charity are creating a quiet garden on a former derelict site in Finsbury for a group of residents who call themselves “Ladies in Lavender”.

Members of St Mungo’s Community have been working on the site – which will be enjoyed by all residents at the Whitecross estate in Banner Street – for the past three weeks.

Resident Linda Stokes said her group of women residents were named after the 2004 film Ladies in Lavender. 

“We loved the film,” said Ms Stokes. “It was very nostalgic. And although this won’t be Cornwall, where the film was set, the garden will be a perfect space to get together for a chat.”

George Topping, chairman of the estate’s tenants and residents association, said he was extremely impressed by the work. “They dug up old concrete and removed tons of rubbish. It was back-breaking work. But now the garden is taking shape. It’s going to be a lovely spot to sit and relax. We’re very grateful to St Mungo’s and the men and woman who are creating this wonderful oasis of calm.”

Jonathan Trustram, team leader for St Mungo’s Putting Down Roots scheme, said building a garden from scratch provides invaluable work experience for homeless and ex-homeless people with the charity. “We can’t wait to see the garden finished and looking nice,” he added.

Stephen Ware, who has been homeless on and off for 20 years, said he was enjoying the work. “We’ve been blessed with a fair amount of sunshine and you feel better after a bit of physical work,” he said.