Poole church celebrates opening of community garden

Longfleet Baptist Church marked the completion of a three-year project to create an attractive outdoor space by holding a garden opening event - and General Secretary Lynn Green was on hand to cut the ribbon

The event on Saturday 23 August took the form of a traditional church fete with a bouncy castle, face painting, games, circus skills, ice cream van, and light refreshments. 

Musical entertainment was provided by Poole artist Brandon Roku Ali, and even the local PCSO popped in to say hello.  More than 150 people from the community attended.

The church said it was also ‘truly blessed’ by the presence of General Secretary Lynn Green, who officially cut the ribbon to open the garden and whose family has historic links to the church.



The project to create the garden involved the demolition of the old derelict manse, construction of new perimeter walls and fences and an accessible entrance to the garden, as well as planting trees, shrubs, climbing plants and a large, grassed area. 

The church is very grateful for funding they have received towards the project from The Benefact Trust and the Southern Baptist Association as well as generous donations from the members.

Minister Ken Adolphe said, ‘It has been fantastic to watch as the church’s vision for the garden became reality and now we have this beautiful space which the various groups who use our building are excited about using, not to mention the church activities that we are planning.

‘Our hope is that the opening fete will be the first of many such events for all the community to enjoy.’