Community Group of the Year nomination – Rowan Village Gardening Group
Community Group of the Year nomination – Rowan Village Gardening Group
The Rowan Village Gardening Group in Meir demonstrates how a small group of dedicated residents can create lasting change not only within their immediate area but across the wider community.
Rowan Village, run by Staffs Housing, part of Honeycomb Group, is home to the residents behind this initiative: Albert, Eileen, Geraldine and Rowland.
Together, they began by revitalising Rowan Village’s communal gardens, transforming tired green spaces into vibrant, welcoming areas where neighbours can meet, socialise and enjoy the outdoors. Their work has also provided a lifeline for residents who can no longer manage their own plots, ensuring everyone can take pride in their surroundings.
When the village lost its much-loved fruit and vegetable stall the group took the initiative to grow their own produce — from raspberries and courgettes to tomatoes, potatoes and pumpkins.
This fresh produce is shared with the village bistro and carefully portioned into single servings, meaning even those living alone have access to affordable, healthy food.
Beyond these practical benefits, the group has created joy, purpose and a renewed sense of community spirit. Many residents describe feeling more connected, valued and engaged thanks to their efforts.
The impact of the gardening group has spread beyond Rowan Village itself. Their passion inspired a wider community gardening day in Meir, where local residents came together to share skills, support one another and take pride in their neighbourhood. This event improved the local environment and strengthened bonds between people of different ages and backgrounds, showing the ripple effect a small, committed group can have on the wider community.
The Rowan Village Gardening Group has been nominated in the Community Group of the Year category of the Your Heroes Awards by Rachel Lawton from The Honeycomb Group.
She said: “The group has shown that community spirit flourishes when people work side by side. They’ve enhanced wellbeing, promoted healthier living and inspired others to get involved in making Meir a better place.
“Their kindness, energy, and determination make them a shining example of what can be achieved when neighbours come together with a shared purpose — and they are truly deserving of recognition as Community Group of the Year.”