Peace garden is officially opened
A new and innovative village amenity was opened in Easton on the Hill on Sunday, July 29; a labyrinth and peace garden in the newly extended churchyard of All Saints Church.
The result of four years of planning and fundraising and 11 weeks of construction, this installation is intended to be a place of contemplation and reflection for everyone in the area, and will hopefully become a destination for villagers and visitors alike.
“The labyrinth and peace garden came about because the churchyard needed extending and after all the effort and expense of achieving that, we felt that the space could be better enclosed and could also provide a useful amenity for the village.
“We know from our village survey that some older villagers, and the bereaved in particular, can feel a sense of isolation and loneliness, and we hope that by providing a peaceful, attractive seating area in the churchyard as well as a labyrinth for contemplation, we will make the churchyard more welcoming, and Easton-on-the-Hill an even better place to live,” said Friends of the Church chairman Robert Woodfield.
The extended churchyard area has now been enclosed by a stone wall, constructed by craftsman Butch Baker, and the labyrinth and peace garden was constructed by Collyweston based firm Messenger BCR Ltd and designed by Ken Rawson, a garden designer who also lives in the village.
The peace garden has at its centre a new sculpture by local artist Michael Moralee, kindly sponsored by the family of the late Sandra Watson. This contemporary piece is called “Honouring Life” and provides a focal point for visitors to enjoy and appreciate
Large and informative interpretation boards have been placed at the entrances to the churchyard to tell visitors more about the church, the conservation area in the churchyard, and the peace garden and labyrinth.
It was officially opened by long serving village stalwart Harold Gregory, and dedicated by Bishop John Flack and Rev Philip Davies. 130 villagers and guests attended the opening and the following tea party.
