Aberfeldy Fire Station has a new role – as a ‘Blether Station’.
Local resident Miriam Proud cut the ribbon to officially open the town’s first dementia garden, which is the result of a partnership between the station and Dementia Friendly Aberfeldy (DFA).
Ninety-two-year-old Miriam used to live across from the station and, when she was doing her own garden, would sneak over and plant flowers at the station. This happened for 20 years, although her clandestine gardening did not go unnoticed by firefighters who knew who was responsible.
She cut the ribbon on June 18, the day before she and husband Alan celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary.
The idea for the Blether Station took root when Janette Barrie of DFA was investigating how to make the town more dementia friendly.
She noticed when people were out walking they naturally stopped for a breather at the fire station.
She suggested placing a bench at the station but when she spoke to Watch Commander Matt McLay, he invited her to make use of a small piece of unused land beside the building.
Janette said: “A fire station is seen as a safe place and we’re delighted how this idea grew from the kindness of others.
“The Blether Station is a wee somewhere to sit, chat and enjoy the plants. Over the last year we’ve seen the impact social isolation and loneliness can have on our wellbeing and encouraging interactions with other people is so important.
“The Dementia Friendly Aberfeldy Collaborative would like to thank Scottish Fire and Rescue Service for allowing us to use the space. We would also like to thank Nicky McDiarmid, Spirit of Wood and Cross Civils and Construction Services for their support and generosity, and The Basil Death Trust for funding the project.”
Local schoolchildren will design tiles to attach to the trellis and they will be able to take their grandparents to see their work.
WC McLay, who oversaw the project along with WC Garry West, said: “The Blether Station is a great example of a community coming together to help others.
“We’re delighted that this area of rubble has been transformed into a beautiful and useful space.
“We’re looking forward to seeing people when they stop for a rest and we might even join them for a blether and offer some vital fire safety advice.”
Garden designer Ruth Howell developed the space and many local businesses offered their help.
