Community spirit blooming

Community spirit is blooming in a new Bellway housing development in Wetherby after residents got together to plant daffodil bulbs under 165 trees, which will see the streets transformed by a host of golden daffodils come spring.
Bellway Daffodil Planters front to back, Diana Gearty, Nicola Boyd, Elaine & Rua (4) Salvati, with Jayne & Simon Smith.Bellway Daffodil Planters front to back, Diana Gearty, Nicola Boyd, Elaine & Rua (4) Salvati, with Jayne & Simon Smith.
Bellway Daffodil Planters front to back, Diana Gearty, Nicola Boyd, Elaine & Rua (4) Salvati, with Jayne & Simon Smith.

Community spirit is blooming in a new Bellway housing development in Wetherby after residents got together to plant daffodil bulbs under 165 trees, which will see the streets transformed by a host of golden daffodils come spring.

The green fingered initiative was the idea of Diana Gearty, who moved onto Bellway’s Spofforth Park development from Burton Salmon in February 2019.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I was originally attracted to Spofforth Park because the site had been landscaped so beautifully,” said Diana.

“I admired the wide, tree-lined streets, communal green spaces, and the large central focal point (I call it The Quad), which consists of a large grassed area that is sectioned into four by block-paved footpaths, modern seating, Teletubbie style mounds and a central tree.

“I often thought how spectacular it would look with daffodils lining the paths. Thankfully we have a Facebook group for residents, so I posted my idea and the response was a resounding thumbs-up!”

And Spofforth Park residents, both young and old came together early one Sunday morning to plant the bulbs under every single one of the 165 trees.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“There’s a wide age-range of people here and it’s a joy to see so many enjoying The Quad,” explained Diana.

“There’s children playing, parents out with babies, young professionals having a run during their working-from-home lunch breaks, and the older generations heading for the bridle path for their afternoon stroll.

“And it was heart-warming to see so many of them eager to help with planting as soon as the daffodil bulbs had been dropped under each tree.

“Luckily, it was a perfect sunny morning and the community spirit was fantastic!

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It proved to be an innovative way to meet and greet each other, with everyone working together, socially-distanced of course, for the benefit of our new little community.

“It was a very happy morning and one we’ll be reminded of every spring when the daffodils bloom for everyone who calls ‘Spofforth Park’ home.”

Diana added: “Spofforth Park has really developed into such a friendly place to reside.

“There’s been several generous and thoughtful Covid-friendly occasions that have been organised by residents such as, a Halloween Trail.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Bellway Yorkshire’s sales manager, Emma Fitton-Cook, said: “When we begin work on any new development our aim is to put in place the foundations for a new and vibrant community.

“And even though we’re still building and selling at Spofforth Park, it really does seem like the community is already blooming.”