A new year with plans aplenty, welcome to 2025

Well 2024 has been and gone and we welcome 2025. The last 12 months has seen many changes at the charity and we look forward to continuing to grow.

Firstly though let us take a look at our history, to see where we started and what we have accomplished thus far.

OUR HISTORY:

The grounds and access for our gardens were originally supplied by local landowner and our founder John Colinswood.

The idea and concept for the gardens came about back in early 2014 after realising that several friends of ours had suffered the loss of their children dying. We came to understand that they did not have a specific and special place that was theirs to grieve as parents.

Having seen first-hand the devastating impacts that were made on their lives John knew that he wanted to do something to support them and other bereaved families in some way.

The vision has always been to create a safe and private space where these families can grieve in peace and commemorate their loved ones.

This has been a long and at times difficult process but with the help of our supporters our vision continues to evolve.

We now also have a Land Food Bank where we grow fresh produce and pass on the fruits of our labours to local food charities.

A BRIEF REVIEW OF 2024.

Firstly we have been able to take on our very own gardens manager Natalie, who brings with her a wealth of knowledge, passion and understanding of our aims.

Natalie has been at the forefront of managing our polytunnel and designated outdoor spaces to plant and harvest home grown produce that we supply at no cost to local foodbanks.

We now work closely with The One Can Trust and the Wycombe Food Hub to make sure we are growing what they need the most. The Food Hub have also kindly donated unwanted plants for us to use in the gardens.

We were also delighted to welcome Helen as our new volunteer’s coordinator. Although Helen only joined us during the latter part of the year she has already been busy finding new people to join our merry band of volunteers and supporters.

Helen and Natalie have also attended and given presentations to local W.I groups, summer fetes, Christmas markets and retiree groups that have expressed interest in finding out more about what we do.

2025 AND BEYOND:

We start the New Year full of energy and renewed vigour to achieve and expand our goals set out in “Our History”.

Our website has been given an upgrade and facelift, allowing easier access to find out more about us. It´s also now easier to contact us should you wish to enquire how we can be of help, join us as a volunteer or even donate should you be able.

Our Facebook pages will continue to give weekly updates along with any other good news stories as they arise.

Along with the above we have so many plans to improve the gardens and further raise awareness of what we have to offer.

Here is a selection of our goals for 2025.

The Vegetable field will be expanded to allow more produce to be grown from seed. This will include Chard, Courgettes, Pumpkins, Squash, Beetroots, Beans and Kale. This will help to increase what we are able to supply both the Onecan Trust and the Wycombe Food Hub.

The Memorial Garden will see the planting of new Willow plants which not only will create a colourful border but can be used for weaving. Benches and fountains will be placed in designated areas.

Creation of new and expansion of existing borders by dividing larger plants.

A complete re-pegging of all existing weed matting will take place along with the creation of a new colourful pebble border. These can then be taken and used as a child activity feature on our stall at events we attend this year.

Our orchard area will see the planting of new apple and pear trees to complement our existing range of fruit and larger hazel trees.

Away from the gardens we will be very active in the community attending numerous events this year. Starting as early as next month’s February half term, through Easter and spring there are so many opportunities to get out and meet new people.

Summer of course always bring a multitude of fayres and fetes such as the Longwick village fayre which we once again will be attending this year. Dare we add that before we know it we will be back at the Princes Risborough Christmas lights switch on!

As well as attending events Helen and Natalie will continue to find new venues to have our posters and information brochures on display.

Continuing to grow our number of volunteers is another very important part of what we aim to achieve this year. As with all charities that are for non-profit we rely heavily on the support of these wonderful people.

Thank you for reading our first blog of 2025.