A community group of Whickham residents are restoring a piece of local history, a 19th century garden that has been neglected for the last 60 years. The Hermitage Community Garden provides a green space in the heart of Whickham where children can learn and people can relax and enjoy the atmosphere of the restored historic 'willow-pattern' garden. An extension to the original garden has now been agreed and this is currently in development along with ongoing work on the existing garden.
Offenders carrying out unpaid work have been essential to the development of this community project. They have undertaken various tasks and provided assistance within the garden.
Dave Peacock, project manager said: "Community Payback is fantastic, offenders have enabled me to develop the extended garden at a galloping pace and have given 'an old man a new lease of life'. I have nothing but praise for them, they have worked so hard and tirelessly and I appreciate everything that they have done.