Family Adopts a Bed in memory of late Grandmother

Alan Hersh, his daughter Rachel Rickingzen and her sons Adam, Jacob and Jed, along with fellow worshippers at the Hatch End Masorti Synagogue, donated money to fund the planting of flowers along Hatch End Broadway. 

It is a fitting tribute to Louise Hersh, who passed away last December. As the synagogue's Honorary Secretary, Edwin Lucas, explained: "Louise loved flowers and we are delighted that we have been able to help make Hatch End look brilliant this autumn." 

The synagogue has joined forces with local traders to join Harrow Council's Adopt a Bed scheme, which encourages individuals, community groups and businesses to take on responsibility for a flower bed or planter in their local area. 

The synagogue paid for summer flowers to be planted back in June and have been so happy with the result that they decided to arrange for some winter flowers - polyanthus and pansies - to be planted.

Mr Lucas said: "We at Hatch End Synagogue are delighted to continue sponsorship of the floral displays in our area of worship. The response from the summer displays was better than our wildest expectations and we had over 40 letters and emails from local residents.

"We must also thank the local traders who were brilliant over the summer time, watering the flowers; by them being so proficient they have maintained the colour throughout the summer season.  

"We believe that in these days of financial constraints it is all the more important that we can bring colour and good cheer to the community which we serve. I know it is early days but we wish our local traders a buoyant autumn and winter season and hope that our flowers help to bring customers into our area."

The Adopt a Bed scheme is open to all individuals, businesses, organisations and community groups. Adopting a bed is free and Harrow Council will even put up a plaque with details of those supporting the flowers.

Those interested can choose a particular flower bed they would like to adopt or the Council can help pick one. The Council can either provide plants for free or groups can pay for or provide flowers. 

They are then given tips on how to care for the plants before maintenance, including litter picking, weeding and watering, is then handed over to the adoptee.

Portfolio holder for Community and Environment at Harrow Council, Councillor Philip O'Dell, said: "Making our shopping areas look better not only supports traders through tough financial times, but boosts community pride and can reduce anti-social behaviour.  

"I'm sure every neighbour will appreciate the Masorti Synagogue's contribution and I hope even more community organizations and businesses will get involved in similar action to improve the appearance of their local area in 2010 and beyond."  

For more information on the Adopt a Bed scheme contact Harrow Council on 0845 225 2600 or fill in the online form at www.harrow.gov.uk/adoptabed.