Josie Browne was Chair of the Salford Disability Forum from 2003 and actively campaigned for rights for disabled people all her life. In 2012 Josie masterminded the brave move for the Forum to take over the running of the Princes Park Garden Centre from Salford City Council. The council had operated the garden centre as a training centre for people with learning difficulties for 28 years.
She also wanted the garden centre to provide volunteering opportunities and training placements to those seeking employment, skills and training. There were also plans to develop and enhance the garden centre buildings and cafe to provide a community hub, which all members of the community could use.
This was an ambitious business plan but Josie was determined that these goals were achieved. Josie's vision was to make the Princes Park Garden Centre all about inclusion and ensuring that everyone has a voice. She wanted to educate the world (starting with Salford!) about disability, to ensure that everyone has equal chances in life.
She also wanted the garden centre to provide volunteering opportunities and training placements to those seeking employment, skills and training. There were also plans to develop and enhance the garden centre buildings and cafe to provide a community hub, which all members of the community could use.
This was an ambitious business plan but Josie was determined that these goals were achieved. Josie's vision was to make the Princes Park Garden Centre all about inclusion and ensuring that everyone has a voice. She wanted to educate the world (starting with Salford!) about disability, to ensure that everyone has equal chances in life.
Services
The "Friends" are a local group working with the Chat Moss Project and the Lancashire Wildlife Trust to restore 115 Hectares of a previous peat extraction site. They are working to restore the mossland and create a living landscape for people as well as the many wetland species that are in rapid decline.
If you have visited the Princes Park Garden Centre recently, we would welcome your feedback. Amazing garden centre and staff. I've had beautiful flowers, plants and trees for some years now and it's a beautiful place to visit. We love popping in after a walk around the park. You have the loveliest, most helpful staff.
Reviews (9)
Richard Merrall
Oct 26, 2021
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Karen Burkey
Sep 01, 2021
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Diane Parry
Aug 16, 2021
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Roy Marsden
Jul 26, 2021
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Quite recently brought up to date ..rides .play areas....never shabby and neglected.. but a coat of paint and reorg.can make sure a difference...always very busy weekends and weekdays afternoon in summer..local garden centre a gem and wonderful for staffing with people with disabilities 👌👍...if you visit please care about litter.
Jillian Wadsworth
Jun 22, 2021
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Wendy Brittain
Jun 20, 2021
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Gaizka N.
May 20, 2021
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Fantastic garden centre with good prices and range of plants. There is a second hand store inside the centre and a coffee shop. It’s nice to go there have a coffee and browse the stock they have. I always find something to buy something. Kudos on the job you are doing. Like my review if you think it was useful 👍.
Diane Reed
Mar 26, 2021
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Julie Lee
Jul 10, 2020
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