Bishop Michael visited the Giant’s Garden in Frome to see the work that’s begun to transform a once overgrown and neglected space into a community garden with growing space for young adults. It’s taken lots of hard work and dedication by volunteers from the local churches to clear the garden of years of weeds.
Alison Hoblyn, is one of the volunteers who has helped. “I think it is such a wonderful project. It’s been such a transformation. I’ve seen youngsters come in and just feel safe; it is enabling them to meet each other. Working with your hands helps you to connect with people in a less demanding way and I have seen that too, but I have also seen spiritual seeking as well.”
One of the young people, who has found peace in the garden, showed Bishop Michael around the Giant’s Garden and discussed with him the vision for the space. Afterwards, Bishop Michael commented, “It's been inspiring to be here to see all the possibility and hard work that’s going on to make what was wilderness into a place that people can enjoy. Somewhere that was just bramble and scrub and yet here it is, a place that’s restoring people, helping the environment and showing our love and care for each other. It’s just been fabulous to be here.”
Nestled away from the hustle and bustle of town life, the Giants Garden was forgotten for more than a decade before Elizabeth and Andrew Alden, Frome Pioneers, spotted its potential and began work on it. Elizabeth said, “We are grateful to Bishop Michael for coming to Frome to lead us in prayer and bless the Giant’s Garden. It has been good to celebrate what God is doing in this place and it has been an afternoon of joy and hope.
On Sunday, members of the four Anglican churches in Frome gathered in the sunshine to celebrate the work that’s been achieved so far and to enjoy some of the produce grown in the garden. Elizabeth said, "The St Mary's congregation extended their usual hospitality to people they have in most cases yet.to meet, hosting us on their grounds and supporting in different ways."
There was also an opportunity for a question-and-answer session on the environment with Bishop Michael. Afterwards the group worshipped together in the garden before Bishop Michael planted a fig tree.
Revd Ian Snares, Vicar, Frome Town Group Ministry said, “Not only is the Giant’s Garden project doing incredible work here in the garden, which is being noticed by the local community; not only is it drawing people in, but it is also having a ripple effect out across the churches. Here today there have been lots of different people from churches here in Frome, who have just been chatting and meeting one another. That’s very powerful because then that will permeate through the town and the community.”
The community of the Giant’s Garden is thrilled that on Sunday we received donations for Ripple Effect which enable them to twin the garden and help a family in rural Kenya.
