Date: 25 October 2001
Originally published in: Runcorn and Widnes World (UK)
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An Alice in Wonderland garden has completed its magical journey to a new home at the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Young People’s Centre.The fantasy garden, which includes large wooden sculptures of Alice’s tea party, was originally displayed at the Tatton Show in July where the idea arose to recreate the garden in Warrington.
The new ‘Peace Garden’ was officially opened yesterday, Wednesday, during a ceremony attended by, among others, children who helped complete the garden, David Fountain, landscape director for Countryside who designed the garden, Kim Wilde, 80s pop star turned gardener who helped in the original design, and Jeff Turner of Granada Television.
David said: “I felt the creation of the garden presented an ideal opportunity to re-utilise this garden and to further support a worthwhile cause. It is nice to know that you are contributing to something that will be truly appreciated by future generations when the garden is complete.”
Kim Wilde, who worked on the garden in Tatton with David, says she is delighted with how it has been transformed for its new, permanent home. She said: “This is a lovely place for children to come and play. It is clear already that they love the place and when all the shrubs and trees are fully established it will be even better.”
The garden includes a range of play equipment, including seesaws and swings, donated by Hags Play Ltd.