From workshop to woodland - FCHO apprentices craft new life for in Shaw's Dunwood Park

New picnic benches are now installed in Shaw’s Dunwood Park after First Choice Homes Oldham’s (FCHO) joinery apprentices stepped in to build them.

Friends of Dunwood Park asked for help to replace the benches that were old and rotten. 

FCHO approached one of its contractors, Connolly, who was happy to donate more than £500 worth of timber. Then FCHO’s Level 2 carpentry and joinery apprentices Alisha Carr, Tom Pickering and Devon Laithwaite-Adair, all aged 19, and Angelise Johnston, 18, got to work making them under supervision from mentor Paul Rogers. 

As an added extra the benches have been made accessible, with extended tops to allow for disabled access. They are now in use just in time for Love Parks Week that started on Friday, July 24. 

A delighted chair of Friends of Dunwood Park and Parish Councillor for Shaw and Crompton, Joseph Beeston, said: “We’re absolutely over the moon with the new benches and cannot thank FCHO enough.  

“The benches have been rotten for some time, with one completely unusable as they had missing seats. They are perfect and have been designed with extended tops to allow for disabled access. 

“The benches are already being appreciated by visitors – both regular and new - and will encourage more people to come and enjoy our lovely park as time goes on.” 

FCHO Operational Manager – Property Care, Kyle Thorpe, said: “The experience this project has given our apprentices is invaluable and has made a difference to the Shaw neighbourhood. We’re all really proud to work for an organisation that gives back to our local communities while helping to grow local talent too." 

Linda Beaumont, Social Value Manager at Connolly, said: “We're proud to support this project at Dunwood Park, helping to create a more welcoming and usable outdoor space for the community. These spaces play such an important role in supporting health and wellbeing. It was great to see apprentices getting involved, developing their skills while making a positive difference locally.”