Callum Lavery
TWO NORTHSIDE residents have officially unveiled a new ‘Peace Garden’ to remember the lives of departed neighbours.
Newbury locals Patricia Caffrey and Betty Sherlock designed and oversaw the creation of their garden in the Newbury area of Clonshaugh.
The pair said they were inspired to add to the work they already put in on a community wishing well to honour local residents who have passed.
“It started off when Newbury was 40-years-old last year,” said Ms Sherlock.
“We put in a wishing well, just to honour the 40th year and after we done that we decided that we should have put in a rose garden or a garden of remembrance to honour all the people who have lived and passed on, in Newbury.
“We decided that we would start it. Then all of a sudden a few of the men in the estate came on board.”
The idea snowballed from there and everybody got involved.
“The councillors even gave us some roses and Patricia and I designed it,” said Ms Sherlock.
Ms Sherlock and Ms Caffery unveiled their new creation at a ceremony recently.
The site was blessed by the parish priest and a plaque reading: ‘a place for all, a path to peace’ was unveiled.
“Then we had an official opening day and all the neighbours turned out. It was just a lovely morning,” said Ms Sherlock.
According to Ms Sherlock, the whole neighbourhood loves their new creation which was designed by both women despite having little experience.
“We looked them up on the internet, we looked at a few designs and we decided that this was the one we wanted,” added Ms Sherlock.
“Everybody loves it. They were very pleased with it. They thought it was a very nice way to remember people. A lot of people have had children that died or mother and fathers. It just means we put a marker down to remember that they were there.”
Local councillor Larry O’Toole (SF) congratulated the whole community on their new garden.
“Congratulations to the local residents who designed and built the peace garden,” he said. “Great credit to the committee members and residents for their efforts in providing this beautiful amenity in their neighbourhood.”