CED Stone Group honoured to supply Paddlestones to ‘Rosie’s Garden’ at West Bridgford Junior School
Post date: 09 Dec, 2016
The Midlands depot of natural stone specialist CED Stone Group, based in Langley Mill, Nottinghamshire, was honoured to be asked by award-winning local garden designer Jackie Setchfield, to supply materials for ‘Rosie’s Garden’ at West Bridgford Junior School. CED’s paddlestones will be a notable feature in the memorial garden for pupil Rosie Perry Jones, which is being opened with a ceremony on Friday December 9th at 4pm.
Rosie died last year, aged 11, from an aggressive form of ovarian cancer, just five months after diagnosis, leaving teachers and classmates heartbroken. Struggling to come to terms with the loss of their much-loved pupil and friend, it was the school’s collective wish to create a lasting memorial.
“The idea to create a garden in the front of the school is a fitting tribute,” says headmaster Steven Arnold, “We thought long and hard about what we could do, involving Rosie’s family in the decision. We were thrilled when Jackie from Olive Tree Garden Design, whose children attended our school, presented her idea for the garden.
“Her design brought tears to the eyes of Rosie’s mum. Jackie is a Chelsea Flower Show gold medal winner, so we’ve been very fortunate to have her bringing her expertise and creative flair to the project. CED Stone Group has also brought a lot to this amazing garden, we are humbled by the generosity of all involved.”
Jackie has fond memories of Rosie. She says, “I remember her dancing in the aisles during her sisters’ school concerts. She was so joyful, I jumped at the chance to give something back and create somewhere special in Rosie’s memory.”
Jackie designed a simple garden that will be a place of remembrance and celebration of Rosie’s life, while also creating a calm oasis that will help the healing process of all those deeply moved and affected by her passing. The garden will have a theme of soft, enveloping curves, giving the space a gentle, inviting feel. Flowing through it, a meandering clay brick path will be laid in a pattern that emulates Rosie’s trademark plaits. A curved paddlestone wall will hug two semi-circular seating areas like protective hands.
The classic, calm colour palette will capture the innocence and joy of Rosie, with pink (Cherry Blossom), plum (Pennstemon and Sambucus Nigra) and lime green (Carex and Heucheras). Evergreens have been added to create interest during the winter. The garden will be particularly magical in the Spring, when it will be showered in pink cherry blossom.
The school has been fundraising for the garden, with creative ideas such as busking in West Bridgford, a popular “dunk the headmaster” stall at the school fete, and a fun run raising an amazing £5.5k. However, to get the garden built using quality materials and expert craftsmanship, an extra £20k was needed.
CED Stone Group was delighted to step in as a sponsor. Its Langley Mill depot heavily discounted the beautiful yellow paddlestones for the garden wall. Jackie says, “The goodwill of sponsors CED Stone Group has been crucial in bringing this garden to life.
“The paddlestones are integral to this design. The shapes and shadows of the individual stones as the sun shines on them will bring warmth to the garden; while the aged, natural stone, imbues it with quality and longevity. I am hugely appreciative of CED’s help and know it also means a lot to Rosie’s family and friends and the school community at West Bridgford Junior School.”
The garden, which also benefits from kind donations from Natural Paving, Old Hall Plant Nurseries, Miles Nurseries, JA Stephens Builders Merchants and David Greaves Landscape and Construction, will open on December 9th at 4pm.
Rosie’s mum Diane, dad Guy, family, friends, and everyone who has contributed to the garden, will be at the opening ceremony. Her two older sisters, Jess and Millie will cut a pink ribbon. The school’s senior choir will sing Christmas carols, while the crowd enjoys mince pies and mulled wine.
Paula Chalmers, CED’s Marketing Manager, says, “We look forward to seeing the finished garden and we’re incredibly honoured to have contributed towards it. We hope the garden brings joy and comfort to Rosie’s family and friends, as well as happy memories of a girl who seems to have been well-loved by all who knew her.”
