Let’s hoe for it at Prestwick hospital

Oct 22 2010 by Edwin Lawrence, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

IT’S more than 30 years since a hospital garden was given a makeover.

And the time has come to spruce up a now-shabby plot at the Biggart Hospital.

The slabs are uneven, the pergola is unsafe, and the furniture is in poor shape.

It was the Rotary Club of Prestwick who spearheaded that first facelift, in 1977.

And Rotarians are organising this new revamp.

They asked the hospital what was needed – and the Biggart gave the club a very modest ‘wish list’.

But Rotarians are going much further, and have come up with a project estimated at £25,000.

However, the club has pared this down to £8600 – without compromising quality.

Rotarian Jim Nicoll, for instance, has done the design work free of charge.

And staff at GE Caledonian will do the labour, again for no charge.

Ayr College are making four benches, which can be sold as memorial benches.

And each of these will carry an inscribed brass plaque.

“But we still need help from the community,” said Rotarian Henry Pimentel.

“This is our local hospital in Prestwick, although it serves a much wider area.

“And we want to create something special for the patients – particularly those suffering from dementia.”

With that in mind, Henry is looking for a classic red phone box and post box.

“These iconic items are great for jogging people’s memories,” said Henry.

“And I’d love to be able to locate them for the garden.”

Henry is also hoping to get donations of garden sheds and fencing.

Prestwick Rotarians hold this project close to their hearts.

And Jim Nicoll’s dad, Jim senior, now in his 80s, worked on the original upgrade, which marked the Queen’s Silver Jubilee.

So too did Jim and brother David as young men. And the Nicolls are all involved again this time.

If you can help this great community effort, email Henry on mccrindlefamily@tiscali.co.uk or call 01292 479110.