Station Room Blooms: Rent-Free Life for Volunteers

A group of dedicated volunteers has transformed an empty room at Kettering Railway Station into a vibrant space, receiving rent-free accommodation in return for their horticultural efforts. Since establishing their base in 2016, the Kettering Civic Society has cultivated a garden in the station's car park, a project that has flourished over the years. This initiative not only provides the volunteers with a home but also significantly contributes to the town's aesthetic appeal and civic pride.

Members of the society express deep satisfaction with their work, highlighting the appreciation they receive and the sense of pride they feel in their town. The transformation of the car park from tarmac to a rose garden, using a pickaxe for initial planting, illustrates their commitment. The volunteers also maintain high standards of architecture and planning within Kettering, acting as ambassadors for the town.

The station room now serves a dual purpose, featuring an exhibition space that showcases the society's evolution. Travelers and station staff alike have praised the uplifting atmosphere created by the displays. Looking ahead, the society plans to introduce artwork along the station's footbridge and is keen to attract younger volunteers to continue their mission of protecting, preserving, and promoting Kettering.