It all started over three years ago when Rotary, Lions, Roots to Transition and Tavistock Town Council came together with ideas for a sensory garden and boules court, with community food growing. On a derelict, unused putting green in The Meadows, this group of local organisations worked tirelessly to create what the Mayor of Tavistock, Councillor Paul Ward described as ‘a beautiful, living, example of what can be achieved through collaboration between the voluntary, private and public sectors’. On a beautiful summer afternoon, over 200 people enjoyed the sights and smells of the garden at the first Sensory Garden Party. There was a chance to play petanque, or bowls at the Sir Francis Drake Bowling Club, and a wonderful spread of tea, cakes and buns provided by town centre businesses and friends of the Sensory Garden.
Sensory Garden Trust chairman Graham Parker, welcomed everyone explaining: “The Sensory Garden aims to provide a safe, soothing, accessible place where memories can be revisited by people living with dementia, their families and carers. However, it has vastly exceeded our original expectations. Many people with a variety of medical conditions, others just seeking peace and quiet, and many children, are already spending time with us in the garden, as visitors and volunteers.” Graham paid tribute to the many sponsors, including Tesco, Tavistock Town Council, the National Lottery, Kinship Connect and dozens of people and organisations who have helped to make the scheme possible – as well as offering special thanks to the Bowls Club, whose support rescued the garden from disaster in the summer drought. He was also proud to announce that Churchill Retirement Homes has sponsored the garden to the magnificent tune of £25,000, enabling a number of further enhancements to the garden.
For more information or to become a Friend of the Sensory Garden contact info_tcsg@btinternet.com