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RESTORED STABLE PROVES PERFECT
The restored stable in the Elford Hall Garden proved the perfect stage for the climax of a church service to commemorate the Christmas nativity. So much so that the Rev Denise Burgess, who inspired and led the service, wants to make it an annual event.
WASSAILERS GO BACK TO THE FUTURE
Volunteers, members and friends of the project to restore the Elford Walled Garden have revived something even older - the medieval custom of wassailing. More than 50 people of all ages took part in the event, which began with displays from Lichfield Morris Men, Armitage Mummers and Beggar's Oak Clog Dancers at The Crown and culminated in the garden's orchard. The ancient ritual, which took place around Christmas time in the cider-producing regions of England, involved singing to the trees to promote a good harvest in the coming year. And given the turnout and enthusiasm displayed by themodern day wassailers, Dave Watton, the project's chairman, reckons a glut of fruit could be in the offing. He said: "Judging by the goodwill shown by the followers,we are surely in for a bumper crop of fruit next year." The event, organised by Carol Wedgbury, was part of the project's Heritage Lottery Funded Activities and Dave added: "It was so successful that I can see it taking place annually."
Check out this link for more information on wassailing
A sell-out crowd was treated to a feast of pyrotechnics and food at the Elford Walled Garden's third bonfire and fireworks display. More than 350 burgers and 20 kilos of sausages supplied by Coates of Alrewas were consumed during a rain-free event that climaxed as fireworks lit up the inky blue night sky during a spectacular 20-minute salvo of explosions and colour. The meaty treats were supple-mented by 350 doughnuts and washed down by five barrels of real ale, 30 bottles of wine and countless cans of soft drinks. These mainly sated the thirst of the many children present who, in addition to the fireworks, were given day-glo necklaces, enjoyed free activities put on by Irene Standerwick and bopped the evening away in the disco.
RIGHT ROYAL SUCCESS
She came, she saw, she charmed us. That was the consensus after Her Royal Highness, Sophie Countess of Wessex, performed the official opening ceremony of the restored Elford Hall Garden.
CAT'S FAITH REWARDED
Elford resident Catherine (Cat) Sharpe and James McGregor became the first couple to hold their wedding reception in the Walled Garden following their marriage on August 6th. "Cat first approached us nearly two years ago," recalled Dave Watton, the project chairman. "At the time the garden was a wilderness and we had to yet to sign the lease and secure funding. I'm pleased that her faith in our project to deliver her reception venue was not misplaced and the day went off well." Click here to see a larger version of this picture
FESTIVAL PROVES A HIT
The Elford Hall Garden's first Real Ale and Music Festival was a resounding success.
The decision to create allotments in the Walled Garden and lease them has proved so popular that just one of the initial quota of 10 remains vacant. As with the other nine, it is available to be leased to a group comprising three members and the annual fee is £120. In addition to the allotment, this fee will include an adjacent section of the wall to enable Espalier fruit trees, figs, grapes or similar plants to be cultivated. For more information, please call Avril Commons on 01462 621162 or e-mail: avrilcommons@virginmedia.com. Follow this link for a plan of the allotments and details of the Allotments Club
Horses occupying the restored stable in the Elford Walled Garden will stand on a floor fit for the Queen's thoroughbreds thanks to the generosity of the world's largest brick manufacturer.
Six youngsters plus team leader Nicola Leadbetter (pictured left, front row, in blue) from Project V - a scheme that encourages people aged between 16 and 26 to volunteer in their spare time - recently spent a day in the Walled Garden erecting a 'green' screen to shield us from our neighbours. The group planted a selection of rhododendrons, cammellias, clematis, climbing roses, hydrangeas, honeysuckle and birch trees that had been supplied by Planters Garden Centre in the area between the wall and the church at the eastern end of the site. Having completed that task, the seven, making light of the filthy weather, helped lay paths and prepare the rose garden beds. Meanwhile, Mike Arnold and Florascape have donated a large quantity of bulbs that have been planted around the outside of the wall.
A momentous moment as the Deputy Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Michael Wilkes, lays the final brick in the renovated wall.
More than 50 children from the Howard School and Whittington pre-school groups planted almost 2000 spring bulbs, including daffodils, crocus and snakeshead fritillaries in the area surrounding the orchard during an autumn visit to the Elford Walled Garden.
It's not just the Elford Hall Garden being revitalised by the project. So are the volunteers working on it.
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MUD, GLORIOUS MUD
Follow this link to see more pictures of the wildlife in the Elford Hall Garden
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NINE DOWN, ONE TO GO
FINAL BRICK IN THE WALL
FLOWER POWER
A NEW LEASE OF LIFE
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