Last night Marlborough’s Plume of Feathers secret garden was transformed into a magical, romantic Valentine’s venue for the whole community to enjoy. As well as the twinkling candles there was mulled apple juice, made from apples grown in the garden, braziers to warm you and a raffle from Seasalt to tempt you. There was also an invitation to send a wish for the future into the blazing fires.
The garden is owned by Marlborough Town Council but leased to Waythrough, formerly the Richmond Fellowship, a mental health charity. Accessed via Kelham Gardens, the garden has long been an ongoing source of wellbeing in the community and is looked after by Waythrough volunteers, Pewsey Scouts and local neighbours and volunteers. This is the fourth year an event will be running and each year it has grown in popularity. This event was postponed from Dec 21st, the Winter Solstice, due to high winds and stormy weather.
Danny O’Donoghue, from Waythrough, told Marlborough.news, “We were very frustrated that we were unable to hold this event on the Winter Solstice but what could be more romantic for Valentine’s Day than a walk around an illuminated garden followed by a meal? We even have an illuminated boat (with a nod to the Vikings and their fire festivals!) The boat is obsolete and will be planted up with plants in the Spring.
We are grateful to all those who have helped with the event – to the Pewsey Scouts, Seasalt and local residents, Sue and Dave Blacklock, together with other volunteers.
Lots of people have challenging and complex issues and we hope that by using our services and receiving our support that they will be helped to find their own way through – hence our new name, Waythrough.”
Danny has many plans for the garden. The old hedge has been taken out and will be replaced with a mixture of forsythia and lilac together with a row of ornamental trees.
A representative from Seasalt said, “We are very pleased to support this event. Lots of our customers use the garden and we like to be able to support the community. All the proceeds from the raffle will go to the trust.”
Tall Tales at The Watermill – halfterm entertainment for the whole family
