THERE was a very special day at Tregony last Saturday when Col Edward Bolitho, OBE, the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, accompanied by his wife Alexandra, came to the village to officially open the new Memorial Garden which has been created on the land previously known as Swing Park.

A memorial garden, where people could spend time in quiet reflection of loved ones, was considered appropriate for the "open" space, by the Tregony Parish Council, following the relocation of the children's play area to the sports field a few years ago.

The Memorial Garden has taken several months to take shape with the shrubs, donated by either the large estates near Tregony or local organisations, in flower just in time for the opening ceremony.

Around 60 people attended the occasion and they heard Col Bolitho say that the project was a credit to the community and he was impressed by the amount of work which had taken place to transform the parcel of land into a wonderful garden for all to enjoy.

Once the ribbon had been cut those present were invited to enter the garden where the Rev Emma Watson, vicar of Cornelly and St Cuby's, said an appropriately worded prayer of dedication.

Then the chairman of Tregony Parish Council, Des Mennear, thanked all who contributed in any way to make the project such a success. The first being Prince Charles the Duke of Cornwall who "kick started" the garden fund by sending a substantial cheque a couple of years ago. Mr Mennear then went on to say that he had not intended to name any particular individuals but his fellow members of the parish council suggested that two should be mentioned.The first being Issy Smith, the gardener who has given so much advice and spent many voluntary hours laying out the garden and plant the shrubs.

The second was fellow councillor Colin Brown who has spent many hours at the garden and travelling "here, there and everywhere" picking up the shrubs and materials.

After the time spent admiring the garden a cream tea was served in the church hall.Thanks were extended to the ladies in the kitchen and particularly Mrs Angela Gilbert, the vicar's mum, who made all the wonderful scones!

As the garden is a community facility if anyone, living in or with connections to the parishes of Tregony and Cuby, wish to plant a shrub in memory of loved ones they should contact the Chairman of the Tregony Parish Council, on 01872 530357, so that appropriate arrangements can be made.