Alveston Jubilee Hall Community Garden

FOR some years prior to the lockdown, the enclosed space behind the Hall was a safe play area for the pre-school children who attended the nursery there.

They relocated to St Helen’s Primary school and our rather neglected “garden” had few visitors other than the wildlife (the Alveston Rainbows and Scouts had created a specific area some years ago) and a group of ladies who would continue to meet there for coffee and a chat when allowed, rain or shine, throughout the covid period.

In 2022 there was a competition which appealed for the development of green spaces to attract nature and this coincided with the Trustees of the Hall inviting anyone who might be interested in caring for that space to provide suggestions.

Although we did not enter the competition, it led to consultations across our community and we are now beginning to see the results of our endeavours.

There will be a welcoming space comprising a Peace Garden (with WI seat in memory of Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee), a large patio area, and then grass extending into wildlife-friendly planting.

The vastly overgrown cornus hedge is being replaced by a border of attractive, wildlifefriendly shrubs and, gradually, other appropriate planting will be completed.

Following the removal of the dying ash saplings and an enormous old euonymus (which was physically compromising the corner fencing), the first plant to arrive will be a beautiful scarlet hawthorn, which is donated by the Alveston Twinning Association with Courville sur Eure (36 years) and celebrates the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

The considerable task of relaying a new and safe patio has been done by Alveston resident Dan Morris, a landscape gardener, who gained the generous support of the SW supplier of garden materials, Kellaways.

The Alveston Forum, led by Peter Waller, has managed the banking of the finances and Alveston WI has agreed to maintain the garden in the future.

MESSAGE FROM AVON & SOMERSET PCC