Permanent boost for Wrabness community garden
The garden at Wrabness rail station has been given a permanent water supply.
83-year-old Julia Prigg has been maintaining the community garden for over 10 years, but each summer she found herself with a recurring problem.
In order to provide the additional water the site needed during hot months, Julia had to run a hosepipe from her garden, across the road, and to the community garden.
After Greater Anglia found out about Julia's efforts, the operator approached its contactor, Railscape, for help to find a manageable solution.
Working with the parish council, a large water tank was was installed adjacent to the site, which was funded by the Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership.
Alan Neville, Greater Anglia's Customer and Community Engagement Manager, said: "When we heard of Julia’s difficulties in managing the provision of water to the garden at Wrabness we had to do something right away.
"Our partners at Railscape were only too pleased to put a plan in place and I’m delighted that the Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership were able fund the project.
"It will help make life a little easier for Julia who does an absolutely amazing job that is appreciated by everyone who lives near or uses the station."
In 2019, Julia was recognised for her decade-long commitment in transforming the community garden at Wrabness rail station.
On receiving the Personal Contribution Award at Greater Anglia's 2019 Station Adoption Awards, she said: "I’ve always loved gardening and love the social aspect of being in the station garden.
"I keep an eye on the station and the lovely mural that was created by the Wrabness Art Club and sometimes have local schoolchildren helping me in the garden. I should also thank Herman who mows the lawns. I only have a courtyard garden so its wonderful to be in the garden when he’s mowing and enjoy the smell of the cut grass."