Community
FROGS, FRUIT AND FRIDGES Steve Shield, Town Clerk, Sherborne Town Council
I
am pleased to report the new water features which form part of the wider enhancement project in Pageant Gardens have now been completed for everyone to enjoy. The existing pond areas have been transformed into a tranquil haven for the benefit of the local community in so many ways. This space now consists of four new water features which include stacked slate spheres, a spillway bowl and basin and a main waterfall with secret pond to support wildlife and underground rainwater storage reservoir. At the centre of the water garden is a circular walkway with a curved hardwood bench. Oak seating cubes will also be placed nearby to some of the water features. Resin-bound gravel pathways lead off in various directions, passing through planted flower beds and an oak root stumpery; all within proximity of the water areas. Natural Waterscapes, who are based in Sherborne, have delivered a fantastic project for the community and it is hoped that visitors to the gardens will see the transformation as a positive move forward, following such difficult times recently. The Town Council is delighted to have received confirmation that 15 cherry trees will be donated to the Council as part of the Sakura Cherry Tree Project who are overseeing the planting of thousands of cherry trees across the UK. Sakura Cherry Tree Project in the UK marks 150 years of Japan-UK friendship and the continued cooperation between our two nations. It was launched in the joint communique issued by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the then Prime Minister Theresa May when the two met in Japan in Autumn 2017. Because cherry blossom (sakura) is the national flower 32 | Sherborne Times | August 2021
of Japan, over six thousand cherry trees will be planted throughout the UK in the coming years. These cherry trees will bloom in time and the legacy of the warm friendship between our two nations and the stories behind this project will be remembered every spring for many years to come. The trees will be planted in a number of places in the town, including both Pageant Gardens and Paddock Garden. It is also hoped that young people will assist with the planting scheme, as they will ultimately be the beneficiaries of the blossom in years to come and when the trees reach full maturity. The Town Council has been working on the introduction of two community fridges, one in each of the East and West wards of the town. The community fridge idea was originally introduced by Hubbub which coordinates the world’s largest Community Fridge Network with over 150 community fridges running in the UK. It is a space where everyone can share surplus food, including donations from local food businesses, producers, households and gardens. The fridges differ from food banks in that they help to reduce food waste, offer fresh food and give the opportunity to possibly try something different. The fridges themselves will be located, subject to any planning conditions, at St Paul’s Church and the West End Community Hall. The Council hope that once the fridges are in place, community volunteers will be forthcoming to assist with day-to-day running of this community resource. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Cllr Jane Carling on 07814 511294 or email jane.carling@sherborne-tc.gov.uk sherborne-tc.gov.uk
