Chapel garden opens at West Suffolk Hospital

May 15^th 2002

Venue:  West Suffolk Hospital chapel, Bury St Edmunds
Date:   Thursday 6 June
Time:   6pm

An opening ceremony for a new garden next to the chapel at the West Suffolk Hospital will be held on Thursday 6 June at 6pm.  Members of the public and the media are welcome to attend.

Volunteers have been working on the garden for the past two years. Each corner is dedicated to one of the four elements: earth, water, fire and air. Features such as a rainbow light and birdbath decorate the garden, and a ramp ensures that disabled people can gain access.

"We have developed this garden so that it can be a place of sanctuary for patients, staff and visitors to the hospital," said David Crawley, chaplain. "Before our volunteers started work, the area was not particularly pleasant - it was overgrown with trees, and once they were cleared we were left with an empty space.  Now it is a lovely area  - really peaceful and relaxing.

"This has been an ambitious and challenging project and I want to thank everyone who has played a part: the volunteers who have given their time and effort and the many local companies who have donated plants, shrubs and other materials for the garden.  I also want to say thanks to the Trust’s Estate Department, who have all given great support to the project.  Thanks to all their hard work, people will be able to enjoy the garden as a tranquil haven for years to come."

During the ceremony, two shrubs will be planted while the Chevington Consort entertains those present with music.