Donor power helps transform The Carpenter’s Arms wasteland into thriving meadow
The Carpenter’s Arms is one step closer to realising its dream of turning a one-acre piece of wasteland into a purposeful meadow space to grow fruit and vegetables, rear chickens and keep bees, thanks to the generosity of local supporters.
The project has been given the name ‘Malone Meadows’ in memory of Brendan, the husband of Jill Russell, the charity’s Finance Officer. Situated at the charity’s Six Hills site, midway between Melton Mowbray and Loughborough, it is where Phase II of the charity’s recovery programme gets to grips with the root causes of a resident’s addiction, addressing relapse prevention, relationships and life skills through various avenues such as group sessions and key-working.
It has long been recognised that the grounds of the site have real potential for a particular life skill the charity seeks to teach: that of the residents growing their own food. A piece of wasteland is now being transformed into a purposeful space thanks to the generous donations, including:
- 120 tonnes of topsoil from residential housebuilder Bellway East Midlands
- One tonne of cardboard – designed to suppress weeds – supplied by Costco with an additional donation from Southerington Removals
- 32 tonnes of horse manure, donated by Jill Russell, the charity’s Finance Office
- 20 pallets from Midshires Catering used to anchor down the cardboard before becoming the first material for the compost heaps.
Total Aggregates, Midshires Catering and Southerington Removals supported on the delivery of these items.
Richard Spence, CEO of The Carpenter’s Arms said:
“It’s been wonderful over the last couple of weeks to see the project take shape. There are so many working parts to this project and it simply would not have been possible without the help of so many local champions.
“Ours is an ambitious plan, introducing an orchard, vegetable beds, chickens and beehives. The project will be truly circular, with food waste processed on site to help with compost and to provide tasty food for the chickens. In turn, our happy chickens will produce eggs and we expect our bees to produce honey. Ample roof space at the property means we can harvest our rainwater and keep it onsite ready for watering this productive grove.
“As well as giving the residents a place of purpose and hopefully where they can develop their own passion for gardening, there will be significant financial benefits as far as the charity’s food bills are concerned which currently cost in the region of £6,000 to £8,000 per month.”
Adoptions Engineer Andrew Pollard of Bellway East Midlands, whose regional headquarters are based in Leicester, and Richard Noon, MD of Total Aggregates, were on site to oversee the delivery of the topsoil. Andrew said: “Bellway Homes are proud to support The Carpenter’s Arms with the projects they are undertaking to further enhance their fantastic work.
Interested parties can learn more about the project on The Carpenter’s Arms fundraising page.
Watch our project in action—click here to view the video!
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When I left the Military, I had problems in my marriage and was a victim of domestic abuse. I totally lost it and turned to alcohol. The Carpenter’s Arms were willing to take me on and knowing they were signed up to The Armed Forces Covenant was a big thing for me. I have grown with the programme, and I have now got self-worth. I wake up every morning thankful. I’m blessed.
Brian, resident
As a magistrate, I see the devastation of addiction to a person’s life, as well as their family and friends, when they end up in the Court system. The Carpenter’s Arms offers an opportunity, strategies and support to face and overcome addiction, and turn people’s lives around. It offers people hope at their lowest ebb to gain self-confidence and self-worth which are invaluable gifts.
Mrs Henrietta Chubb JP, High Sheriff of Leicestershire
I got out of prison on the 14th of December 2017 and went straight to The Carpenter's Arms and felt the labels go. My first clean test in 24 years felt amazing. I had never seen my little girls through clean eyes. It was overwhelming! All the victories that were coming for me just for being in this place.
Garry, resident
I’ve known The Carpenter's Arms now for several years and it's great to see the way in which they have grown. What they've done in terms of supporting the defence community has been extraordinary. They show such great enthusiasm and such an ability to reach into people's lives.
Bruce Spencer, MoD Employer Engagement Director for the East Midlands
Before my arrival at the Carpenter's Arms, I was lost in a very dark place, haunted by past memories, suppressed by the use of drink and drugs. A local Christian charity recommended The Carpenter's Arms and I was thrown another lifeline and my hope was restored. My spirit, body and soul have been renewed, and I have re-established family connections and built bridges I once burnt.
Bradley, resident
The Carpenter’s Arms is one of our alliance charities working in the area of addiction. We draw on their understanding of what's going on, and their work and solutions for people living with addiction. It helps support our policy and working forward to sustainable living and aspirations in life after addiction.
Steve Meadwell, Regional Manager (Midlands), Centre for Social Justice
I have been suffering from mental health for over 10 years and was addicted to crack, cocaine, cannabis, and steroids. My life was unmanageable. My life has changed completely and I’ve been able to see my son again. I was lost and broken and now I am blessed. I am now a House Dad in phase 3 and I’ve been put on the Pathways as a Support Worker.
Blake, resident
I'm the trustee of the Carpenter's Arms and, this year, I’m also the Mayor of Charnwood. I first met Brian and Judith when I was a Magistrate Chairman of the Drug Rehabilitation Committee. The most rewarding experience was when I finished sitting on the bench and watched the amazing successes at The Carpenter’s Arms in capacity as a trustee. To sit and listen to the clients tell their stories, what they have done and how they have come out the other side with new beginnings, I think for me is the most rewarding. The court couldn’t do it, but The Carpenter's Arms did.
Councillor Margaret Smidowicz, Mayor of Charnwood and trustee of The Carpenter’s Arms
After years of hard drug addiction and causing a lot of pain and suffering for myself and my loved ones, I walked through the doors of the Carpenter's Arms. In the space of a few weeks, I started to see and think more clearly and within months my life had changed drastically for the better. I can't thank the Carpenter's Arms enough for giving me a second chance at life.
Marcus, resident
I've been an alcoholic for 3 years. Whilst it has been a challenge at The Carpenter's Arms, I have been clean for 1 month, have more energy and motivation to do things. A routine has helped me a lot, as well as being able to be around people which has helped me speak more easily. I am excited to go back to work and see my family more.
Rob, resident
I was a broken man after 16 years addicted to heroin and crack, with no confidence or self-worth. Through coming to the Carpenter's Arms, I have been able to break free from my addiction, have learnt how to love myself, how to treat others and how to deal with everyday life without drugs. I am now happily married with 6 beautiful kids and have had a job for the last 6 years.
Scott, resident