This evening, Dec 21st, Marlborough’s Plume of Feathers garden, hidden behind houses and the old Post Office on London Road, was lit with a thousand twinkling candles to celebrate the winter solstice – the longest night. The candles, together with the brazier, mulled apple juice, and background Christmas music created a magical atmosphere for visitors.
Sue Blacklock, who lives nearby and volunteers in the garden told Marlborough.news, “It’s a wonderful event that really brings the community together and raises funds for the Richmond Fellowship who look after this garden for us.”
Rachel, a Marlborough resident, who was visiting with her family commented, “It’s very very peaceful and very imaginative. What a tranquil way of celebrating the solstice.”
Nikki Berrett, a volunteer, said, “It’s lovely how many people have turned out and it’s great that we can bring a bit of light to the shortest day. 1000 candles seemed a good number to aim for.”
The garden is owned by Marlborough Town Council but leased to the Richmond Fellowship, a mental health charity. The garden has long been an ongoing source of wellbeing in the community and is looked after by Richmond Fellowship volunteers, local neighbours, volunteers from Seasalt and Pewsey scouts.
Seasalt volunteers were busy serving drinks and selling raffle tickets for a Seasalt hamper. The winning ticket is pink 222 and its owner was not present at the draw. If you have the ticket please go to Marlborough’s Seasalt shop on the High Street to claim your prize.
The Pewsey scouts had helped light the 1000 candles and also kept a scout’s eye on the brazier. Visitors were encouraged to write messages of hope or gratitude to throw into the fire.
Danny O’Donoghue, from the Richmond Fellowship, and all his friends and relations had been collecting jam jars for a year for the event. He was grateful to the volunteers who helped light the candles. “We’ve had a really nice public response and a steady flow of visitors. I hope that people are getting to know the garden as a little community asset. We’ll aim for even more candles next year.”
Queen’s Green Canopy trees arrive at Stonebridge Wild River Reserve
