Thomas Adams School dig deep to help Wem pensioner

Sep 18 2008 by Andrew Bowan, Whitchurch Herald

A 78-YEAR-OLD Wem man has paid tribute to a group of school pupils who tended his garden when he was unable to look after it himself.

John Payne was heartbroken when he was no longer able to keep his prize-winning vegetable garden in order.

For years he and his wife Elsie, helped by their daughter Ruth, maintained the plot in immaculate condition.

But, following the death of his wife nearly 18 months ago and a decline in his own health, he was unable to look after the garden, which quickly became overgrown.

After hearing of his plight, a group of sixth-formers from the nearby Thomas Adams School stepped in to help out and during the past 12 months they have transformed the garden to its former glory.

Last Thursday Mr Payne attended Wem Police Station to see Insp Sarah Wagstaff present one of the students, Alexandra Adkin, with a West Mercia Good Citizen’s certificate.

Similar certificates were presented to students Joshua Philpott, Ogannaike Babasola and Ben Cornish at a previous ceremony.

It gave Mr Payne and his daughter Ruth an opportunity to thank them for all their hard work, carried out several times a week after school in their own time.

Miss Payne said: “My father is disabled now and we were unable to keep the garden going after my mother became ill.

“It was such a shame because dad had previously won awards for his vegetables and the garden was his pride and joy.

“But the pupils have done a tremendous job and we can’t praise them highly enough. Their efforts have made a real difference and he’s perked up no end as a result.”

Insp Wagstaff said: “We’re delighted to recognise such good citizenship among young people.

“The students, who are all from the sixth form geography group, noticed how overgrown the garden had become and approached Mr Payne to see if they could help.

“He was overjoyed at the gesture and they organised themselves into a group to sort and tidy the garden.

“Some of the work was quite arduous and they worked regularly and consistently in their spare time, often in the pouring rain, to dig over the large vegetable patch and re-seed it with grass. They also dug over and weeded the borders.

“A small core group has been the driving force to maintain the enthusiasm of the others. They have been truly good citizens, making a huge difference to Mr Payne’s life by lifting his spirits after what had been a very difficult time for him.”

Certificates have also been presented to Rachel Kennedy, Harriet Ikin, Sam Gainsborough, Ben Cornish, Abigail Alcock, Andrew Evans and Andrew Price for their involvement in a partnership project with a school in Miriu, Kenya.

They organised a series of fundraising schemes through school, including washing cars, packing shopping, selling cakes, encouraging staff to be aware of their carbon footprint and a host of sponsored events to provide resources and materials for the school.

Several of the students have also visited Kenya to work on an educational project.

Insp Wagstaff said: “They have done a tremendous amount of good work to assist the school in Kenya. They raised the profile of the partnership project, motivated other students into action and increased awareness of what needs to be done to support the school and how to assist it to become self-sufficient.”