Sirs,
I don’t know about you during these strange times but I’ve been amazed by how well Priory Gardens are used by such a variety of people, different age groups and from different backgrounds.
I was surprised by the number of young mums and toddlers enjoying the gardens. I must say I had no idea there were so many young families living in Marlborough. It was reassuring that it’s not just retirees here. I’d begun to think it was.
When the park was still locked the Council gave the Jubilee permission to let us bring up to six of our members from the Jubilee to sit socially distanced to enjoy some fresh air.
Some had not been beyond their front door or gate for four months. Their delight at seeing one another was really heart-warming, like the pavement outside Greggs the day the Year 10 were allowed back into St John’s. My 80+ year olds were more able to social distance than the 15 year olds!
Once the glass doors that look from the Gardens to the High St were opened another group showed itself.
Older teenagers with generally superb ball skills would meet up and enjoy a great social, some chatting while the happy, focused game of football was played.
Last week some of our members met up on the higher lawn in the public area and our manager asked the youths if they would mind moving off that area for our elderly.
Politely and with good humour they moved and we set chairs out (socially distanced at 2 metres). When we left two hours later two of us went to thank them, ‘Not a problem’ was their cheerful response. What’s more the elderly could see youngsters full of life, reminding them of their own youth.
Where else in Marlborough nourishes such diverse groups? It is a real resource for the Town and it’s been great to see it used so well albeit not necessarily at the same time.
The young mums and toddlers were in the morning, Youth emerged to congregate around midday and we went out after Meals on Wheels early afternoon.
Yes, I know ball games aren’t supposed to be played in there, but The Jubilee were making more noise than the youths probably because they were sitting so far apart and are a bit deaf and delighted to see each other and life unfolding before them.
Long may this mix be able to continue. Some older people entering the Gardens for their exercise and to enjoy the flowers were clearly a bit apprehensive about fit youths running around (not our lot) and took courage from our motley bunch sitting on the ‘stage’ that looks down from The Priory. Well done Marlborough Council for encouraging and accepting the diversity
Yours,
Sally Wolfenden
Chairman
The Jubilee Centre
Shop Assistant – Crosby & Lawrence (part time)
