May 2022
St Wilfrid's Priory resident Philip does his good seed for the day
Volunteers make a big difference to the Trust so we were delighted to support Phil in volunteering at Arundel Castle.
Phil has been at St Wilfrid’s Priory for a few years now and has always been enthusiastic and keen to get involved with everything that goes on. He really enjoys gardening and spending time outside, and has played a big part in getting our new allotment ready at St Wilfrid’s Priory.
Inspired by our recent visit to Arundel Castle to see the tulips, Phil wanted to learn more. With the help of our Activities Co-ordinator, Cecilia Raggett, Phil got in touch with Head Gardener at the Castle, Martin Duncan, to discuss volunteering opportunities, and the rest, as they say, is history!
Phil now has a shift in the castle gardens on a Monday, helping to get everything back in order after the busy weekend of visitors. He’ll help with raking the gravel paths, watering plants, weeding, and other tidying up tasks to help make sure the gardens are as beautiful as they were when he saw them on the visit that inspired him.
Philip says, “I made lots of friends. I cleared the leaves up from the cut-down trees, but I kept out of the way when they were cutting the hedge! I am looking forward to volunteering again. It’s a great privilege. My sister was overjoyed when I told her about it!”
Back at St Wilfrid’s Priory, there is lots happening in the new allotment too. Graham Pritchard, our handy man, dug out some space to grow vegetables and Phil has been busy sowing seeds and tending the shoots so we’ll all have some delicious, home-grown vegetables to eat soon.
Wearing his gardening shoes, Philip is now all dressed up with somewhere to grow!
Volunteers Week runs from 1-7 June each year. If you would like to find out more about volunteering with us at The Orders of St John Care Trust, you can learn more here.