A COMMUNITY has welcomed the re-naming of an eco-garden in honour of it’s founder and late Blacon campaigner Kath Evans.
The community garden in Bridgeman Road, Blacon, is now known as ‘Kath’s Eco-Garden’, after housing officers placed a specially erected sign at the site.
Friends, councillors and in particular residents in Bridgeman Road, who worked tirelessly alongside Kath and friend Sharon Stokes to bring the community garden about, said the new sign was a fitting tribute to Kath.
In 2003, great grandmother Kath and fellow campaigners were successful in their campaign to see old garages in Bridgeman Road demolished to make way for the eco-garden after lobbying for a landfill tax credit scheme known as WREN (Waste Recycling and Environmental Ltd) to fund the project.
Kath, 79, passed away on June 6, after more than 50 years of supporting Blacon-based causes.
Family and friends described the great grandmother as one of a kind, full of pride for her home community where she had lived for more than 50 years and where she, along with her late husband Dennis, raised their two sons, Jeremy and Paul.
A strong and passionate campaigner, Kath became a champion of all causes throughout her time living on the estate but, in particular, she became known for creating the eco garden in Bridgeman Road, turning derelict ground into an eco haven.
For nearly five decades Kath would organise and bake cakes for Highfield Primary School and community events.
And she will be remembered for her energy and zest for encouraging young people and creating new opportunities in Blacon.
In 2008 Kath, a former Royal Mail canteen assistant, received the Lifetime Achievement award on behalf of the Blacon community as testament to her dedication to the estate she loved.
This year the Blacon Community Trust will also dedicate the Kath Evans award – ‘empowering young people to enhance their own lives and others’ award in Kath’s name.
Kath was also a leading fundraiser for organisations, including the Hospice of the Good Shepherd and raised money at regular bingo sessions held at the Waggon and Horses pub in Western Avenue, Blacon.
Blacon Cllr Reggie Jones said: “Kath would have been extremely proud to have
the Eco-Garden named
after her.
“She worked tirelessly for this cause and for Blacon residents.”