Newly reformed garden hosts platinum jubilee celebration

A once forgotten garden at Copeland Borough Council’s Distington Crematorium has been transformed by volunteers – making it the ideal venue for a royal garden party

To mark the Queen’s platinum jubilee, Copeland’s bereavement services and parks and open spaces teams organised a tea party for residents. Scones, jubilee cupcakes, sandwiches, and a celebratory Victoria sponge cake were enjoyed in the rejuvenated space. Glasses were also raised, toasting the Queen’s 70-year reign.

In the 1800s, the garden was part of the nearby mansion – following that it was a working market garden. After a period of neglect, work to restore it to its former glory has been taking place for several months. Thanks to hundreds of hours of work from Copeland’s parks and open spaces team, the community payback team and dedicated volunteers, the garden is now a hub for all to gather in nature.

The jubilee party took place on June 4, marking the first day the space was opened to the public since its revamp. More than 60 visitors joined volunteers and staff to enjoy celebrating in the sun. Visitors dropped by throughout the day and were intrigued to see how they could get involved in the development and preservation of this once-lost Victorian garden.

Copeland’s mayor Mike Starkie also visited, planting a commemorative oak tree to mark the Queen’s 70-year reign. It stands as a centrepiece to the lavender labyrinth and is encased by a bespoke wooden seat, Guests help out planting in raised beds where people can sit and reflect for generations to come. Mayor Mike Starkie said: “Thanks to the hard work from our dedicated staff and volunteers, the garden made the perfect setting to honour this landmark event.

“We were extremely lucky with the weather, which helped to show off the garden at its finest. The space is thriving with nature - it’s something our community should be very proud of.”

Guests having fun in the garden

for the jubilee celebrations. Not only was the garden party an opportunity to enjoy delicious treats and engage in conversations with other visitors – there was also a chance to don some gardening gloves and get involved. Children helped plant dahlias in newly built raised beds, alongside sunflowers that had been sown in May’s volunteer session. A lavender hedge was created around the grassed area to increase the number of bees and other pollinators visiting the garden. This complements the existing lavender labyrinth.

Copeland's Mayor, Mike Starkie plants commemorative oak tree

Susan Pringle, head of bereavement services at Copeland borough council, said: “I’m thrilled that we could open the space to the public in time

“We couldn’t have picked a better way to celebrate, and it was a fantastic opportunity to show how grateful we are to those who have given up their free time to revitalise the space.”

Transformed garden in the sunshine

Emily Adair Communications and Engagements Officer