Award winning gardens in Mill Gap Road

In 1993 David Wells designed the Mill Gap Road hospice gardens. He has kindly shared his memories from the time.

‘In 1993 I was privileged to be invited to design and build the gardens at Mill Gap Road.

‘Major obstacles were: shortage of funds, poor access and no information about the area that had previously been a rubbish tip, not to mention about 10 feral cats that had grown used to being fed.

‘I was introduced to Mrs Mavis Brand who nominated herself as fundraiser. She was a tiny lady with a big heart and a very persuasive manner. She requested a list of my firm’s suppliers – builders, merchants, etc. I pointed out that there was a recession in the building trade, so not to build her hopes.

‘Mavis did the impossible and came away with pledges for more than £20,000 in materials. There was a lot of good luck too. One supplier who manufactures growers planting compost telephoned to say that they had got the mix formula wrong in a batch of about 20 tons… could we use it; just what Mill Gap’s poor, chalky topsoil needed.

‘It was a very wet winter, not ideal for landscaping, but we made steady progress and developed a good rapport with the staff and patients. It ended up being one of the most rewarding projects in my career, seeing the gardens being used for social functions as well as ‘quiet corners’ for private moments.

‘In the summer of 1994, St Wilfrid’s was included on the route for judging in the prestigious South East in Bloom awards, which Eastbourne won and gave St Wilfrid’s some good publicity. There was a nice spin-off for my firm too: we won the National British Landscaping Industries annual award for the Design & Build category.

‘Part of the halcyon days!’

More stories

Amateur pianist raises £65k for St Wilfrid’s
An amateur pianist who achieved his life-long ambition to perform Rachmaninoff’s second piano concerto has raised more than £65,000 for St Wilfrid’s
Nurse takes on Hospices to Holland cycle challenge in memory of brother
When Nurse Kate Watkins threw open the curtains to reveal her birthday present from her husband, she was surprised to see a new bike.
Hospice celebrates business supporters at awards evening
St Wilfrid’s Hospice has recognised local business supporters at a special Charity Champion Awards evening.
Sign-ups encouraged for Hospices to Holland cycling challenge
St Wilfrid’s has teamed up with St Michael’s Hospice to offer the cycling challenge of a lifetime and raise vital funds for hospice care.
Amateur pianist raises £65k for St Wilfrid’s
An amateur pianist who achieved his life-long ambition to perform Rachmaninoff’s second piano concerto has raised more than £65,000 for St Wilfrid’s
Nurse takes on Hospices to Holland cycle challenge in memory of brother
When Nurse Kate Watkins threw open the curtains to reveal her birthday present from her husband, she was surprised to see a new bike.
Hospice celebrates business supporters at awards evening
St Wilfrid’s Hospice has recognised local business supporters at a special Charity Champion Awards evening.
Sign-ups encouraged for Hospices to Holland cycling challenge
St Wilfrid’s has teamed up with St Michael’s Hospice to offer the cycling challenge of a lifetime and raise vital funds for hospice care.
Scroll to Top