An ambitious week-long project to create a community garden at Wombwell Hall care home, in Northfleet, is complete, with the space officially opened at a garden party on Sunday 22nd June.
The garden, which will provide a place for reflection and remembrance, was created in memory of Neville Tompkins, a beloved Wombwell resident, following a generous donation from his family.
Overlooked by Neville’s old room, the green space has areas for quiet reflection, a water feature, memorial planting spaces and seating areas where everyone, including residents, their families, staff and the local community, can enjoy the peaceful surroundings
The celebration marked the first time Audrey, Neville’s wife, had seen the space which has many nods to her late husband, including his favourite colours, blue and white, anchors aplenty, to recognise his history as a naval man, and a statue of Smudge the cat, which Neville used to enjoy in his family garden.
Sunday was also an opportunity to bring together and thank everyone who made the community garden possible, including the more than 30 volunteers that gave up their time to bring it to life. Dr Lauren Sullivan, MP for Gravesham, and Cllr Jenny Wallace, Mayor of Gravesham, also attended and spent the day with residents and volunteers, enjoying the garden.
Organisations, including Brandon Hire, Croft Property, CS Electrical, The Timber Group, PJ Electrical, Sparks & C, Discount Builders, TTL Recurity, Contingency Consultancy and City Praise Centre all donated essential materials, labour and expertise.
Audrey cut the official ribbon to open the garden, while Gravesend Sea Cadets attended to honour Neville’s naval history.
Wombwell Hall has been part of the local community since 1471, previously serving as a hospital and school before becoming a care home. The 120-bed facility now supports 210 residents every year, offering nursing, dementia and palliative care.
Richard Lawson, general manager at Wombwell Hall, said: “Our vision was to create a community garden for everyone to enjoy. It wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of local organisations and volunteers, many of whom gave up their free time to dig, plant and paint to get the garden ready in just a week.
“Having everyone come together on Sunday gave us a glimpse of how it will be used by residents, their loved ones and the local community for years to come.”
Audrey Tompkins, Neville’s wife, added: “I am overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity shown by everyone involved in creating this beautiful space. To know that Neville’s memory lives on in a place where people can find peace and reflection means the world to our family.
“Wombwell holds a special place in our hearts, and having this beautiful space for other residents and their families to enjoy during what can be a very difficult time is incredible. Thank you to everyone who came together to make this possible.”
The garden is the first in a series of new community initiatives planned at Wombwell Hall over the next 12 months as the care home expands its day care and specialist care services.
