A project to create a serene garden as a space for quiet reflection among nature has just been completed in Whitchurch-on-Thames.
Soha residents and their neighbours came together to celebrate the final element – the installation of an interpretation board in the Polish Church Memorial Garden in Manor Road. Soha donated a cherry tree.
In all 40 people have been involved in the project since 2019. This included clearing the site for use and making it wildlife-friendly by erecting bat and bee boxes. The garden is on the site of the former Polish chapel which served the Nissen-hut housed Polish refugee community in the village, then known as the Coombe Park Camp. Volunteers also made the Cross, where the altar of the chapel had once stood, and constructed the steps leading up to it.
One of the few original Camp residents still living in Manor Road is pictured to the left of the Soha tree. Anna Szczeponek is one side, with Doreen Gow, who arranged the grant from Soha, standing at the back on the right.
The interpretation board, which tells the story of the site, was made possible by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The Fund described the work on the garden as “a fantastic community project”.
Pictures show the celebration event, featuring Polish food and drink, on Friday 17 May. The welcome was given by John Bradon, project leader, while a short reflection was given by Rev James Leach, Team Vicar of St Mary the Virgin Church, Whitchurch-on-Thames.
