It is such a pleasure to be able to share good news at the end of 2020!
Work to create the new ‘Islands of Peace’, Japanese Peace Garden, at the Coventry War Memorial Park, inspired by the children of Coventry, is now almost complete! Finishing work and further planting, of mostly cherry trees leading up to and around the Peace Garden, will be completed next Spring. This will be prior to the planned opening of the garden on 26 March 2021 by the Japanese Ambassador.
Creating such a garden in 2020, one of the most challenging years in living memory, has been possible because of the dedication of the Japanese Garden Society, especially Graham Hardman, Robert Ketchell and the many volunteers who have all work tirelessly with the construction workers from Chiel and the many other workers associated with the project and its sponsoring bodies. All of these people have been inspired by the children of Coventry and their teachers. Special thanks must go to Rebecca Bollands who has spearheaded the project from the beginning and has worked extremely hard liaising with all those concerned, at the same time as carrying out her demanding daytime work as Deputy Head of Howes Primary School and in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This project is truly an amazing achievement by all concerned.
From all the partners and sponsors of the project - our wholehearted congratulations and many thanks to all concerned. We are sure the children are proud of the legacy and all that has been achieved in their name.
Here are some of the early photos of the completed main garden both by night and during the daytime. It is wonderful also to see the beautiful garden set against the ‘borrowed scenery’ of the mature trees of the Coventry War Memorial Park which will also celebrate its centenary year in 2021!
