Winter solstice celebrations in Marlborough’s secret garden

Last night more than 1200 twinkling candles transformed The Plume of Feathers garden (hidden behind houses and the old Post Office on London Road) into an enchanting, magical space to celebrate the winter solstice.  There was mulled apple juice made from the apples grown in the garden, festive music, a blazing fire in the brazier, a raffle and the chance to write wishes and hopes for the future.

Despite the gusty winds, courtesy of Storm Pia, more people than in previous years visited. The garden is owned by Marlborough Town Council but leased to the Richmond Fellowship, a mental health charity. Danny O’Donoghue, from the Richmond Fellowship, told Marlborough.news, “It’s a great night and brings a wonderful feeling of community. It’s our way of saying thank you for this wonderful space. I’d like to thank the local scouts and all the volunteers. I hope people will take away a little feeling of peace and serenity on the run up to the festive period.”

Seasalt volunteers were busy making and serving the mulled apple juice and organising a special Seasalt raffle. Karen, the manager of Seasalt said, “We enjoy giving something back to the community and it’s nice to be able to thank our regular customers for their continued support.”

Sue Blacklock, who lives nearby and helped to organise the evening, said, “It’s absolutely wonderful for the community getting together. And it’s a great way to send thanks, wishes or hopes for the future. Right now there’s so many things you can hope for in our world.”

For some people it was the third year running they had visited the winter solstice garden. Lizzie Hunter who had travelled home to Marlborough for Christmas said, “It’s so beautiful and what an amazing turn out.”

Caroline Baker commented, “It’s just such a magical, lovely place to meet people.”

After the success of the evening, there are plans for an event in the summer – cream teas and music – maybe around the time of the summer solstice. Watch this space.