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Garden Village

A hundred years have rolled away Since this estate was planned The roads, the houses, avenues, as by a master hand.

And what a slice of history With scenes both old and new, Two world Wars and last year’s floods To mention but a few.

Today we’ve met to celebrate All gathered here together To enjoy the beauty all around Despite capricious weather.

So raise a cheer for Cherry Tree For May Tree or for Elm As pretty, or as stately As ought within this realm.

Sing a song of Laburnum Of Beech Grove, or of Holly Where spring is always beautiful And Christmas lights look jolly.

When you’re planting bulbs in autumn time To beautify each spring Or “dressed up” at Christmas time And hearty carols sing.

Or arranging hanging baskets As high as you can reach To make a blaze of colour In Chestnut, Lilac or Beech.

If you’re planting herbs in your back porch In large ceramic pot, Painting a fence, or trimming a hedge Then give it all you’ve got.

When the fair is here on a summer’s day And The Oval full of folk, take time to listen to the band and chat, and share a joke.

If there’s a Bouncy Castle that summer’s day Or fireworks for Guy Fawkes, Or just strolling round The Oval For quiet evening walks.

Just make some time to look around At gardens, shrubs and trees, Admiring rhododendrons, their colours always please.

Encouraging your children with cricket on the grass To fly a kite, to kick a ball, Taking your neighbour’s dog for a walk, There’s something there for all.

Whatever the hobby that fills your day Enjoy what each season can bring May you and your family find happiness and beauty in everything.

Whatever task you undertake May success crown your endeavour, My sincerest wish for you today, Garden Village bloom for ever.

Stella Shepherd 2008