Vicki goes back to grassroots

Chief executive of Groundwork Oldham and Rochdale, Vicki Devonport (left) and staff get to work at Fullwood Nature Reserve, Sholver to see how it's done. With Vicki are left to right, Lee Chatburn (Groundwork green team supervisor), Dave Parker (NEAT supervisor), Jonathan Lockley (green team worker).

IT was back to the shop floor for Groundwork chief executive Vicki Devonport when she spent the week grafting with her staff.

From building planting beds to helping people boost their CVs, there was nothing Vicki didn’t turn her hand to during her week of action.

She said: “The aim of the week was to get a better understanding of the projects that Groundwork deliver, from the front line.

“It’s one thing to see reports filled with figures charting the work we do, but its another thing to actually witness it for yourself.

“It’s been really lovely to get out there and see the impact our projects have and how they change people’s lives.

“I’ve also realised how hard my team work and how committed they are to their work. I’ve really enjoyed the experience.”

Vicki got particularly hands-on at the Fullwood Nature Reserve in Sholver where she helped the Fullwood Rangers create new plant beds, mow the grass on the football pitch and pitch in with a general tidy up.