Sensory Garden Annexe Project Case Study

Streatham Darby and Joan Club

On a windy day in March 2009, over 50 local people gathered at Woodlawns Community Centre in Streatham to celebrate the official opening of the new garden room, funded by BIG through the People’s Millions programme.

The Streatham Darby and Joan Club had previously received an Awards for All grant, and in early 2007 they decided to put in an application for People’s Millions – the funding programme that is decided by ITV London viewers. After winning the public vote in November of that year, work got under way in early 2008 on the new garden room and accessible walkway.

The project will enable an ethnically diverse group of elderly people to enjoy their urban green space, improving access to an area that was previously out of bounds for many.

The local vote

Just over one year on from the People’s Millions public vote and the garden room was launched in March 2009. Darby and Joan members were joined by local primary schools and representatives from BIG, and even ITV returned to record the opening and feature the project on London Tonight.

The garden room, with views across the pretty sensory garden, has given a new lease of life to the centre and the community itself. Darby and Joan members now enjoy cups of tea, card games and sing-alongs in the new annexe, overlooking and enjoying the centre’s garden.

Project contact details

Streatham Darby & Joan Club
Woodlawns Day Centre
16 Leigham Court Road
London
SW16 2PJ