The care and compassion of Brightlingsea’s care workers has been recognised with the completion of a Gratitude Garden in the centre of town.

Mayoress Jen Barry was inspired to create the garden by the “many acts of kindness, expressions of concern, and empathy from the staff towards residents” that she saw when visiting local care homes – Oaklands, Quenby, Silver Springs and Stronvar – with husband and mayor, Mick, during the Queen’s Jubilee Celebrations.

“I was especially struck by the dignity given to occupants and the compassion expressed towards the elderly and sometimes very frail residents.  Whilst each home has as its own distinctive qualities, all feel homely and the warmth and humour between residents and staff is clear to see,” she said.

Mrs Barry added: “The unique contribution that our care homes made during the pandemic and continue to make every day has not, I believe, been sufficiently recognised.  Perhaps because their contribution is so significant and constant it can be difficult to find the appropriate way to say ‘thank you’”.

Brightlingsea Town Council agreed to support the project and allocated an area in Victoria Place for the garden to be created. Julie Ford, head gardener at Springmead, designed a bed beneath the well-established cedar, and Mark Canham of the council’s grounds staff carved a unique memorial from a single log. He also created the video showing the carving process seen below.

Funds have been raised through social events, grants, and a Justgiving page to pay for the plants and other materials, with volunteers donating time to prepare the area and help with planting.

The official opening took place on Saturday, April 22 and was attended by careworkers and residents from the local homes, along with the Deputy Rob White, councillors and other individuals and organisations that contributed to the project.