Grand opening for Golden Gardens

A carnival-style celebration marked the official opening of two new community gardens in Goldington, Bedford, where residents can meet together and develop their green-fingered skills.

The Golden Gardens project, which has turned two disused garage sites in Elliot Crescent and Milburn Road into communal gardens, was launched on Saturday (September 20).

A fancy dress parade, face painters, performances by a theatre group and a visit from local MP Patrick Hall helped the celebrations to go with a swing while the residents involved in the project also helped to carry out the official opening.

The event was the culmination of the £80,000 project funded by the People's Millions lottery competition and supported by affordable housing provider bpha.

Since the funding was received at the end of last year, bpha has been working closely with residents and schools in the area to develop the garden designs and complete the planting. The project has also involved a series of community meetings and seen residents working with a gardening expert and produce a scrapbook and photo album to record their progress.

Liz Robertson, assistant community development manager at bpha, said: "This project is bringing back into use two derelict sites and creating a valuable community resource which will encourage people to get outdoors and take up gardening.

"Since the start, the project has really captured the imagination of local people and we are delighted to be able to launch the gardens with a celebration involving the whole community."

Goldington resident Sylvia Peacock said: "It has been great fun and I hope other local people will get stuck in with the project now that the gardens are open for use.

“At the end of the day, we will be able to look back at the gardens and know that we made it happen. It is something that people will get enjoyment from for many years."

Those attending the event were invited to bring along a small keepsake to "plant" in a community mosaic wall.

The event included a fancy dress parade, with prizes on offer for the best costumes. Visitors were also invited to stay and enjoy a tea party during the afternoon.

The Golden Gardens project includes a green training area for local people to grow their own food and plants and an open access area for all to enjoy.