Youngsters have a lot of bottle…but need even more

Doncaster youngsters are asking for help in a bid to complete their plastic greenhouse project.  

Kids visiting The Denaby and Conisbrough Children's Centre have been working hard on their new greenhouse made purely out of two litre plastic bottles.

The centre which is run by Doncaster Community Health Care has recently undergone a refurbishment and thanks to local contractors, the outside of the centre has become a hub of activity.

The centre has been running for the past 10 years and with the latest changes, there is something for everyone. The centre will deliver services for young children and their families, including play sessions, dad’s groups, family support, health services, access to training and employment advice, as well as a café and the Little Einstein’s day nursery.

Henry Boot Construction, one of three contractors carrying out Doncaster Council’s Decent Homes Programme, which is managed by St. Leger Homes, has introduced the greenhouse outside the centre as well as creating a new home for two hens.

Karen Jones, the early years and outreach co-ordinator at the centre, said: “We need around 1500 plastic bottles in order to complete the greenhouse. We have already made a start with the project but need the public’s help to donate their used bottles.”

The greenhouse will be the focus of a number of projects including: the NHS Grow Your Own, Baby Life Check project and the Doncaster Age Concern, Community Allotment project. These will help youngsters create their own allotment where they can grow anything from herbs to plants.

“We are getting involved with a lot of projects - from making homemade bird feeders to hosting sessions for grandparents and dads,” said Karen.

Derek McDonald from Henry Boot Construction said: “We have used recycled wood as the frame of the greenhouse and the kids can learn how to put the bottles in place. The eggs from the two chickens will be used in the café at the centre and we are even looking at homing a pony and some sheep here too which is great.”

Two local firms have also made contributions towards the project – Holsworth Plastering and Supersonic Garden Supplies.

Anyone wanting to donate their two litre bottles can leave them at the reception at the centre.

Representatives from Henry Boot Construction and St. Leger Homes along with some of the kids visiting the centre.