6
Issue 1292
Call 0114 283 1100
19th October 2023
www.looklocal.org.uk
Local News
A Tale of Neighbourly Bond and a Remarkable Hedge In a quiet, unassuming village where good neighbours are a treasured commodity, an extraordinary tale of friendship and creativity has unfolded over the past three decades. Meet Pete Swift, (pictured) a 75-year-old former councillor, sword dancer, and folk singer, who, by a simple act of neighbourly kindness, inadvertently turned hedge trimming into an art form. More than 30 years ago, Pete decided to lend a helping hand to his neighbour, Fred Myers. He began trimming a hedge that had grown so tall it obstructed Fred's view of the road from his house. What started as a humble gesture of goodwill soon transformed into something extraordinary.
embarked on a creative journey that would leave a lasting mark on the neighbourhood. One fine morning, Fred Myers opened his curtains to find a delightful surprise in his front garden – a meticulously sculpted steam train. Unbeknownst to Fred, Pete had taken his topography skills to new heights and turned the once-overgrown hedge into a stunning work of art that still graces the neighbourhood today.
Pete Swift has been a resident of Grenoside for 74 years, making him a true pillar of the community. He recalls his motivation for undertaking this remarkable project, saying, "30 or 40 years ago, Fred couldn't see the road from his house because the hedge had grown so high, so I decided to get my trimmer out and cut it for him. I do it 3 or 4 times a year, and the hedge soon became a steam train."
The transformation of the hedge into a steam train has not only brought a smile to the faces of those passing by but has also become a symbol of neighbourly kindness and community spirit. Pete takes immense pleasure in the joy he brings to others through his artistic hedge trimming. He added, "People walking past it, when they see the train, have a smile on their face. It's great to see, and I love helping people and putting a smile on their faces." In a world where the hustle and bustle often overshadow the simple acts of kindness, Pete Swift's unique hedge creation serves as a reminder of how helping one another benefits all. This whimsical steam train hedge has become not only a remarkable piece of art but a testament to the enduring bonds of friendship and the power of small acts of kindness to bring joy to a community.
SPRING SPECIAL OFFERS Pete's dedication and passion for hedge trimming took an unexpected turn. Instead of the typical "short back and sides," he
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