In this page: All about Bartlett Gardens.
Community Orchard
Historical Background
The Reverend John Bartlett MA - after whom the orchard is named - was vicar of Buildwas from 1822 to 1861. He lived at Upper House in the 1820s before moving to a house he had built in Ironbridge.
He owned 122 acres in Madeley parish by 1849 and was a huge local benefactor. He founded the parochial infant school in Madeley in 1829.
His constant desire to alleviate the temporal wants of others was only exceeded by his concern for their spiritual welfare.
He was married to the daughter of William Reynolds of the Ironmasters family.
It seems reasonable to suppose that his widow, Susannah, set up the charity over the next two years. The charity was founded 1863 with a donation of land and some income.
'Your pleasure is our intent - touch the leaves, enjoy the scent.'
Progress Report - Achievements
- Visits to schools and families groups by project worker
- Networking links established with users, other projects, etc
- Visitors include Mark Ecclestone (Lawley Community Group), Gillian SBPC, Sara Bellis SWT, Mary Rickards HT. Other visitors were Julie Lloyd (Woodside), Judy Lewis (Sutton Hill)
- Probationers continue regular monthly work sessions
- Green Gym continue to be involved
- Regular weekly volunteer work days
- Health and Safety booklet produced for volunteers
- Volunteers training/outing to Hall Farm Nursery
- Seed sowing workshops held for young mums and children on Woodside and Sutton Hill
- More planting - trees, fruit bushes, vegetables
- Groups take on small demonstration plots - contact/info' booklet produced
- Local residents leafleted
- Orchard used by Rainbows and Brownies
- Spring into Summer event held
- Composting toilet installed
- Mains water piping laid
- Mini-Marquee and trestle tables purchased
- Completion of disabled access and pathway improvements
- Re-installation of Victorian fencing
- Commissioning of information boards
End of page content
