Successful tool bank scheme

Bright idea by two Newlyn residents leads to unique ‘Tool Bank’ project for gardeners.

A bright and original idea by two Newlyn residents has led to a unique ‘Tool Bank’ project for gardeners that has spread to housing estates through the district.

Jenny Beamish, Chair of the Gwavas Residents Association had the idea with treasurer John Kettless that a bank of gardeners tools would be encouraging ……… and invaluable.

“We had people who didn’t have the tools to do their gardens and we thought it would be very useful if we obtained some for all to use” said Mrs Beamish.With assistance from local community funding (Cornwall Neighbourhoods for Change) they were soon successful.There were enough to start another two estates off on the scheme, Treneere and Roscadghill Parc.“Now each has its own tool bank and the demand remains high.We ask for a small deposit and any donations are used for any repairs and replacements.We run our own scheme from the estate office and the residents can book in advance”.

With the summer upon us and busy garden clearance underway, Gwavas organised three successful ‘amnesty days’ when residents could put out anything from garden rubbish to fridge freezers for collection.“We had 15 tons of rubbish taken away” commented Mrs Beamish.