Mansfield: Walled garden is ready for opening

The ‘1647 Garden of Reflection’ has been developed by Mansfield Friends to commemorate the work of George Fox, the founder of what became the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers).

He wrote in his journal of his first ‘opening’ in Mansfield in 1647.

The walled garden, open to Quakers and visitors, includes a sculpture that is the result of a collaboration between award-winning metalsmith, Alison Counsell and sculptor Vivien Whitaker.

It also honours the life of former Skegby resident Elizabeth Hooton, a mentor and colleague of Fox.

“Local Quakers considered how they could enhance their meeting house and surrounding environment, reach out to the local community and use it as a place of rest, with this the beautiful result,” said clerk, Jenny Gordon.

Juliet Prager, deputy recording clerk of Britain Yearly Meeting, will preside at the official opening at 2pm.

Lynn Morris will lead a reflective exercise, which will be followed by tea and cakes.