Friary Gardeners plant nursery in Hastings provides horticultural and outdoor work opportunities in a thriving community-based social enterprise for disabled adults.
In the past they have provided the plants for Robertsbridge station, but in recent years this has been combined with an educational train trip and work experience day during which they plant the seedlings at the station.
The aim was to continue to improve the confidence and ability of the group to travel by train as well as improving the station ambiance and appearance.
A group of 10 Friary Gardeners, together with staff Hayley and Amanda, joined CRP line officers Andy and Kanna at Hastings Station for the trip to Robertsbridge. Andy welcomed everyone, introduced them to station staff and explained the importance of the yellow line on the platform.
Robertsbridge Station Master Ross Browning welcomed everyone on arrival. He provided refreshments and was a brilliant host throughout.
All of the plants and compost were already at the station, and everyone was soon busy selecting the right seedlings for the right planters both at the front of the station and on the platform.
Compost was topped up in all the planters, and seedlings were selected, planted and fed. This had made the station even more colourful and welcoming.
Station Master Ross was a friendly and informative presence throughout and made every effort to engage the group in fun and informative activities. He was also on hand to answer many questions throughout the day and helped build the groups confidence.
One of the highlights of the day was when Ross provided cake and brought them into the ticket office where everyone had a look at the train tracking screen and stamped their tickets.
Kevin
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