Garden enthusiasts, those looking to learn about getting their hands dirty and people wanting to support and connect with the community will soon have a new outlet through the establishment of the Chester’s Patch community garden project in Margate.

A partnership between Channel Community Care, run by Margate Christian Church and Julia Ridges, owner of the popular, Brookfield Shed venue in Margate, the project is named in memory of Ms Ridges much loved horse, Chester and has been facilitated by a generous donation of land from Peter and Helen Lindsay.

The garden project aims to bring together the community in a safe, inclusive environment to share in a love of gardening while also giving those who are keen to learn the opportunity to develop new skills.

The vision for Chester’s Patch also includes a design that is accessible to everyone and will include private plot spaces for rent alongside the community garden patch which will provide opportunities for those who don’t currently have the space to grow their own fruits and vegetables.

Produce from the community garden will help support the free meals program that Ms Ridges currently provides which delivered 1,000 meals to those in need over winter and to enable self-sufficiency, excess produce will be sold at the Margate Makers Market.

As well as the free meals program, Ms Ridges and the staff at Brookfield are involved in charity events at Christmas and Easter as well as taking donations for Colony 47 and will also be hosting a community Light the Night event on Friday, October 11 which will raise money for the Leukemia Foundation

Clennett’s Mitre 10 were also keen to support the project and have generously donated equipment and supplies, without which, the project wouldn’t have been able to progress.

“As a family owned business, we are extremely proud of our community heritage,” said Mitre 10 manager, Will Clennett.

“Chester’s Patch is a great project that unites communities for a common interest & fosters a positive community spirit.”

According to Ms Ridges, the most important part of the project at this stage is finding more volunteers to come on board and help with Chester’s Patch.

Interested community members are encouraged to contact Klas Abetz-Visser on 0498 099 941 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CAP: Klas Abetz-Visser preparing garden beds at Chester’s Patch for the new community garden project. (PS)