Kate and Paul’s story

Piano teacher Kate Buckby, 62, and husband and former youth worker Paul Buckby, 59, are passionate volunteers at Green Patch and have been involved in the site for more than 20 years.

Kate: “This site was originally dedicated to allotments. Along with a group of volunteers we grew vegetables and would sell veggie boxes every week. We were also able to be self-sufficient ourselves, growing enough produce to feed our family.

We started running gardening clubs at the weekend and the odd after school club but it was quite ad hoc until Groundwork Northamptonshire took over the site and it became known as Green Patch. Now it is thriving and we love being here.

I’ve had back surgery recently which means I’m less hands on but I still come and volunteer regularly and love supporting everyone, including our volunteers with special needs who work really hard and just need a little supervision and encouragement. This really is a special place.”

Paul: “I was devastated when I was made redundant from my job as a youth worker and had a mental health crash. Kate encouraged me to come along to Green Patch and I now run a woodwork project, making giant signs in the shapes of vegetables and leaves that are then painted and placed around the site, so that everyone can see at a glance what is growing. Lots of people get involved, there is a real sense of togetherness.

I know I’m making a difference but crucially I also know that Green Patch is making a difference to me. Coming with Kate means we are doing something together which is really special. We bring our grandson along too so it’s lots of my favourite things rolled up in one: my wife, my grandson and Green Patch.”

If you'd like to know more about volunteering at Green Patch, or want to become a valued volunteer, please contact us.