Gardener, unfazed by HS2 ripping through her Banburyshire property, creates a new oasis
Kate Wright, 80, was unfazed when HS2 ripped through her pristine one-acre garden near Banbury to build its high-speed train line.
Rehoused in a much smaller property in Chipping Warden, she set about establishing another beautiful garden - a fraction of the size.
She quickly turned around the ‘pocket-handkerchief’ sized patch and has produced an oasis of flowering plants, shrubs and trees. It is described by her neighbours as ‘immaculate’. Mrs Wright – a keen member of the Chipping Warden and Edgecote Women’s Institute (WI) - also took on an allotment plot and again the results have been perfection.
And as if that were not enough, she has made a WI garden outside the group’s headquarters and is creating another for the village cricket and sports club.
Friend and neighbour Liz Thame said: “Kate produced and supplied every single plant at our WI Plant Sale and she raised just over £500 on her own plant stall. She is a wonderful neighbour who helps anyone who needs garden guidance and maintenance.” Chipping Warden and Edgcote’s WI is a thriving group of keen members and numbers are increasing. Members enjoy all sorts of events including concerts, parties, external speakers and other entertainment.
A variety of fundraising efforts are organised each year, all supporting local charities. The group holds at least 11 meetings each year offering the opportunity to take part in events, trips, clubs and activities and learn new skills.
The WI is the largest voluntary women’s organising in the UK and contributes to the debate on local and national issues.