NHS COMMEMORATIVE GARDEN OFFICIALLY OPENED BY THE MAYOR OF NEWBURY AND NHS REPRESENTATIVES.

The NHS Commemorative Garden at Old Hospital Green, Andover Road, together with an interpretation panel was officially unveiled by the Mayor of Newbury, Cllr Billy Drummond together with local NHS representatives Christine Stockwell, Patient Liaison and Inpatient Manager Eileen Henderson on Friday 4 June 2021.

Old Hospital Green, home to the ‘Binary Conversation’ sculpture, and was chosen by the Council’s Green Spaces Working Group for the new planting scheme which has been dedicated to the NHS.  Herbs, shrubs and plants, widely known for their medicinal qualities, were planted and the garden.

Cllr Martin Colston, Leader of the Council said, “Dedicated to the NHS, the garden will help future generations to remember the work which has been done throughout the pandemic, for years to come. The garden is open for everyone to see, and the Town Council will be inviting volunteers to continue to support this project in the future”.

The scheme, designed by local resident, volunteer and garden designer, Fran Lawton is based on the idea of a medicinal garden and the interpretation board has been erected highlighting the plants & their medicinal uses.

Eileen Henderson, Inpatients Manager at West Berkshire community Hospital said, “The past 15 months for the NHS have been unprecedented in so many ways and the daily challenges at times both overwhelming and humbling. Watching how teams have come together to provide a safe and caring environment for our patients has been a career highlight for us all and whilst there have undoubtedly been days when we have all found it difficult to go on, the support of the public, their kind words and generosity have helped us to keep going. Initiatives such as this provides a lasting testament to the to the staff of the NHS and one which is extremely appreciated”.

Throughout the year there will be a need for watering, weed management and, at the appropriate time, for clipping and cutting back the growth.

An initial ‘weeding & care day’ was held on Sunday 6 June with a number of volunteers coming along to help to maintain the garden. If you would be interested in taking part in any future volunteers days please contact our Parks & Open Spaces Officer, James, Heasman at the Town Council  (james.heasman@newbury.gov.uk) who will be seeking volunteers to form a Community Group in the future to help care for the garden.                                                                                                               

Contact:

Cllr Martin Colston, Leader of the Council, martin.colston@newbury.gov.uk 01635 36591

David Ingram, Community Services Manager David.ingram@newbury.gov.uk 01635 780208

James Heasman, Parks & Open Spaces Officer james.heasman@newbury.gov.uk 07775 434475