The Community Garden was intended by the church from the beginning as a piece of urban parkland where people could go to enjoy the garden, sit and reflect and that it would be a focal point for the village. The church would be offering hospitality for the people of Ainsdale and would remove the sense of barrier between church and village property. As time progressed, the garden has become a focal point of the village and has won a number of awards from the Royal Horticultural Society “Neighbourhood in Bloom” scheme including being classed as “outstanding” for the past 3 years.

1. Ainsdale Village Church
Community Garden

2. This is where it started…..
2008 and some new tarmac is laid, the land having recently been cleared.
A group of elders, together with Revd Robert Shallcross, the (then)
minister and the landscape contractor, Joe Wright.

3. Barren Land
Once the paths had been laid, we were left with land to start planting. It
took a lot of work to get to this stage – clearing rubble, removing trees,
roots and undergrowth. This was done by a contractor.

4. Busy planting
Following the clearing of the land and laying of the paths, working
parties set about the initial process of planting. An ongoing process!

5. Fundraising 1
Funds were raised from a variety of sources. A cheque from Silcocks, a
family owned firm that runs the pier pavilion.

6. Fundraising 2
Support from the Ainsdale Horticultural Society. They have provided
expertise, and funding. They have an ongoing financial commitment to
the garden.

7. Sefton Coast and Countryside Service
Part of the council leisure services, they made and installed the trellises
and seats. They also provide work experience for people with learning
disabilities.

8. Early days
By this stage the garden was open, but not fully established. Plants had
not grown up the trellises.

9. Early days featuring the trellises
Trellises were based on ones in Bodnant gardens in North Wales. The
opportunity is taken to have al fresco coffee mornings! (see right
distance).

10. Planter maintained by local school
Involvement was sought from a variety of sources including a local
school.

11. Donated Planter
Planters and seats were constructed by Sefton Coastal and Countryside
service but financed by various individuals and organisations. Some in
memoriam.

12. Wildflower border
An experiment with wildflower seeds. It was a success!

13. In bloom 1
A view of the garden and church in the summer.

14. In bloom 2
Across the garden

15. In Bloom 3

16. A place to rest and enjoy
People often sit in these seats, enjoy the view, have a quiet moment or
enjoy lunch.

17. In bloom 4

18. In Bloom 5

19. A misty November morning 2015
Even in the late autumn, an atmospheric view shows how attractive the
garden remains.

20. At the Neighbourhood in Bloom Awards Ceremony
The Royal Horticultural Society holds annual awards ceremonies at the
Conference Centre in Southport. The garden has entered 4 times in its own
right. 9Originally it was part of Ainsdale in Bloom). It has been awarded
Outstanding 3 times in a row!

21. The latest award
Recognition of all the hard work

22. Open air service
A “Songs of Praise” service held in the open air.

23. Summer Fair open for business
Part of the village street fair, the church summer fair does brisk business
– part of the church offering hospitality to the village.

24. Glutton for punishment!
The minister gets drenched.

25. We will Remember Them
Crosses to remember the fallen following Remembrance Sunday 2015

26. Work in Progress
A typical Tuesday morning with volunteers hard at work.

27. Renewing the border
The work is never done!