Spadework Garden Centre Magazine

Spadework is a charity that enables people to be more independent, feel less isolated and live happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.

We provide meaningful opportunities for adults with learning and other disabilities, people experiencing problems with their mental health and those living with dementia.

You can find out more about what we do in the pages of this magazine, and by visiting our website and following us on social media.

We would like to say a very big Spadework “Thank you,” to everyone who supports us. Every penny that you spend in our Garden Centre, Café and Farm Shop supports our charity.

Thank you!

WELCOME

Hello and welcome to the

Inside this edition you can find a plentiful amount of information on what you can find instore, as well as a handy section on monthly garden tips. With knowledgeable and friendly staff on hand in store to help with advice or inspiration, complemented by the huge variety of stock available, you will be sure to find what you need for your upcoming garden and/or home projects. This edition also includes many different informative editorials and alongside you will find local businesses whose services may just be what you are looking for.

We have also launched a digital copy of the magazine, available to view on your smart phone instantly. Please scan the QR code, featured at the bottom of this page, and this will bring up the publication for you to view. You can also access the digital magazine at touchpoints in the garden centre. One of the most exciting features of our digital publication is that you can interact with the garden centre's social media or connect with local business websites with just a quick tap on your device.

As always, we welcome feedback on our magazine, if you have any comments you'd like to add, we would love to hear them. Please email: info@yhgmedia.co.uk

Kind regards and happy reading!

Johnathan Beveridge Magazine Editor

A WARM WELCOME TO

Welcome to Spadework Garden Centre! We pride ourselves on being different to other garden centres. Not only do we offer a friendly and personal service – every customer is important to us - but most importantly, every penny that you spend supports the fantastic work of our charity.

This year we are celebrating our 40th anniversary. To say thank you to our loyal supporters, we launched our Friends of Spadework scheme. Keep reading to find out more.

We hope you will come and visit us soon and join in some of our celebrations. A warm welcome awaits.

Jack Stockley Head of Social Enterprises

40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

It was in May 1984 that some parents of school leavers with learning disabilities decided to launch a mobile gardening service in Tonbridge. They called it Spadework. We haven’t looked back since!

There will be events throughout the year to mark this milestone. Keep a look out on our website and social media to find out more.

Since then, we have extended our services to include people living with dementia and those experiencing problems with their mental health. We are now right at the heart of our community. In 2023 we were proud to be named as Kent Charity of the Year.

It is thanks to our supporters that we have managed to provide 40 years of unbroken service.

HELPING OTHERS

Spadework is delighted to have joined the flock and is taking part in the Shaun the Sheep in the Heart of Kent art trail, in Maidstone from 29 June 2024.

Our Trainees are amazing people, not only contributing to our charity but also wanting to contribute to the fund-raising efforts of the Heart of Kent Hospice, which does such invaluable work in our community.

Whether you are a new or returning visitor, we are always delighted to welcome you to our Garden Centre. We have a team of plant experts who are ready to provide advice. If you can’t find what you are looking for, please ask and we will be very happy to help. Look out for…

Accessories and practical tools

Looking for a special present for someone, then look no further. The Gift Shed has a wonderful range of soaps, scarves, bags and many other gifts. We sell an amazing selection of cards too. With free, and easy, on-site parking, it’s a great place to pop in!

Whether you are looking for fresh produce, essential store cupboard items or edible treats, our friendly Farm Shop team is ready to help you.

Popular highlights include:

Spadework Apple Juice

Glovers ham, sausages and bacon

Kentfield Farm pies

A great selection of local wines, beers & cider

We can also create tasty hampers for special occasions and provide regular veg & fruit boxes.

“Your staff and volunteers are the best around! They make the shopping experience an absolute pleasure!”

The

and

Well, what can we say? The café at Spadework is the place to meet friends and family. We offer everything from our famous full English breakfasts to lighter lunches and delicious teatime treats.

What makes us different to other cafes is not just our yummy menu but that all the money that we make goes back into the charity – making things taste even better!

are open 7 days a week

Farm Shop

Food Shed

PUMPKINS AT SPADEWORK

For four weeks of the year in October, our Pumpkin Garden is a must visit. Choose your own pumpkin – for cooking, eating, or carving – and have some fun finding your favourite. We even host evening events, where you can choose your pumpkin by torchlight.

The Pumpkin Garden is, however, a hive of activity from March all the way through to November.

We usually grow around 50 varieties, from wonderful tasters like the Crown Prince to the weird looking, like the Warty Goblin.

FUNDRAISING EVENTS

Throughout the year we have fundraising events. Everyone is welcome!

8th June 2024 Summer Fair and Big Tea Party - 10am - 4pm.

10th June 2024 Tea and Tour - 10.30am or 1.30pm.

11th June 2024 Tea and Tour - 10.30am or 1.30pm.

13th June 2024 Tea and Tour - 10.30am or 1.30pm.

18th June 2024 Raffle draw - 12.45pm.

29th June 2024 Quiz - 7.30pm.

4th July 2024 Talking Bees with Vince Bray - 3pm.

12th July 2024 Gin and Spirit tasting with Greensand Ridge - 7.30pm.

21st September 2024 Quiz - 7.30pm.

23rd November 2024 Quiz - 7.30pm. YOU CAN MAKE A DONATION BY SCANNING THE CODE. THANK YOU!

COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS

Thank you to all the individuals, organisations and local businesses that support Spadework.

The team at Fernham Homes got their running shoes on for the Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon and raised an amazing £4,188. Staff have also been on site painting buildings.

Kent Fitness Association have chosen Spadework as their charity of the year. They are hosting a fundraising walk on Sunday 7th July, starting at Spadework. Find out more at 07779 734 751.

We are grateful to the following organisations for their support: Cobtree Charity Trust, Brachers Charitable Trust, Nationwide Community Fund, The National Lottery Community Fund, Kent Community Foundation High Hilden and Green Family Funds, The Foyle Foundation and The Hollands Warren Fund.

Fairdeal Windows continue to support us. Most recently they helped us with our Easter Egg Hunt and will be contributing to our 40th celebrations.

Volunteers from local business Cantium and TYl by Natwest have been on site helping us, along with MidKentCollege who helped in our café.

Our corporate volunteering days get booked up in advance, but we are looking for volunteers to help with our pumpkin garden. Please get in touch if you or your organisation would like to volunteer with us.

If you and/or your business would like to get involved, please get in touch. We would love to hear from you.