Burton Joyce Parish Council hosted the official opening of its new ‘Community Garden’, part of the Old School Building site in the centre of the village, on Saturday 6th December 2025.
This marked the culmination of many years of planning and collaboration, so the day was one of celebration and reflection. The event was combined with the Parish Council’s annual Christmas lights switch-on and saw the arrival of Santa to do the countdown!
Following a set of Christmas and hit songs performed by the Rock Choir under the brand new canopy, the Chair of Burton Joyce Parish Council, Cllr Laurence King spoke about the history of the project and gave thanks to all those involved before handing over to The Right Honourable Michael Payne MP, who emphasised the importance of community and how the garden will now bring people together. He, along with and the Clerk (CEO) Jessica Sherrin then cut the tape to mark the official opening. Also in attendance was the Mayor of Gedling, Kyle Robinson-Payne who was delighted to join the celebration.
Jessica Sherrin is the author of the successful grant applications and has played an active role throughout the project’s planning, consultation and implementation. She said: “I am delighted to see our efforts finally come to fruition. Our consultation process highlighted the many active groups, societies and individuals in the village who can use this space for performances or simply to meet and socialise. As well as being home to our regular Pop-Up Food Fayres, it will also serve to support our local businesses, as a centrally located space to enjoy food and drink. Our aim has been to provide a facility which can cater for everyone. I am excited to see its future unfold”.
The garden, which has been installed and completed by contractors Whiting Landscape Ltd includes:
- A canopy over hard standing, perfect for events, performances, and casual gatherings.
• Resin-bound pathways providing full accessibility.
• A variety of styles of bench seating
• A discreet, low-impact lighting scheme.
• Soft landscaping with sensory and bee friendly planting.
• Additional features including a ‘community information’ noticeboard, a water feature,
a way finder and ‘brass rubbing’ posts, as well as the three deer generously bequeathed to the
Parish Council by the late Dorothy Pinkett.
The Parish Council is also grateful to Bentley’s Project Management who have ably assisted with the tendering process, price negotiations and ensuring compliance with the necessary regulations as well as ensuring the project is delivered on time. Their support has been invaluable. They also wish to thank Influence, the designers of the garden.
Photo 1: Rt Hon Michael Payne MP and Clerk (CEO) Jessica Sherrin cutting the ribbon.
Photo 2: Rt Hon Michael Payne PM, Parish Council Chair, Cllr Laurence King, Whiting Landscape Operations Manager, Richard Thomas, Clerk (CEO) Jessica Sherrin and Mayor of Gedling, Kyle Robinson-Payne