When we took over the shop, the garden space behind the shop was nothing less than a wilderness, full of debris, shopping trolleys and the like.  We originally intended to clear this using a party of volunteers, but when asbesto was found there, it was necessary to use a private contractor, Colin Cameron.  Working with Jennifer Lauruol, from designers Carpe Diem Garden Design, the site was cleared and a magnificent garden was created, using railway sleepers to make raised flower beds.

An official opening of the "GARDEN OF HOPE" was held on 16 July 2003, the opening ceremony being carried out by Dan Jones, of Amnesty International UK, with speeches from Ken Strong, who chaired the committee which runs the shop, and Glyn Ford, M.E.P., Euro MP.  Dan Jones then lit the Amnesty candle as a symbol of the hope Amnesty brings to "prisoners of conscience" around the world.

Dan Jones, talking to Colin Cameron, with the Amnesty candle in the background.

If you want to use the garden for browsing, eating your lunch, meditating, or just enjoying the flowers, please feel free to do so.  We do not, however, allow smoking in the garden.