The Society’s Garden and Pond
The North Meols Civic Society has its own garden situated between 185/187 Cambridge Road, Churchtown, Southport. The garden consists of two sections: the front area which consists of flower beds and shrubs, and a rear portion grass, trees and a pond. The pond contains wildlife and is used by pupils and staff of Churchtown Primary School for educational purposes. Although it is a private garden, members of the public are invited tovisit and use the garden. Many people are already taking advantage of this facility, either during a break from work or whilst shopping in Churchtown village.
The garden project began in 1990. Initially the Society enjoyed the helped support of staff and pupils from Stanley High School in Marshside, until the National Curriculum made it impossible for them to continue. During the initial setting up of the garden area, money, advice and practical help were received from a variety of sources including Stanley High School in Marshside, Shell Oil, Hamilton Oil, the Peterhouse Autistic Society/Radnor Drive Nurseries and the Merseybasin Campaign. The garden was officially opened by the Mayor of Sefton on 21st June 1996 (see picture right). More recently, the Society has received support from Scarisbrick Nurseries and several local individuals. A big step forward for the garden came with the appointment of Mr Les Lowe as Garden Curator and Pond Warden. Under his watchful eye, the gardenhas gone from strength to strength. In 1998 the garden was visited as part of the judging for the Britain in Bloom competition and gained much commendation from the judges. Many individuals have also contributed to the garden, including the donation of three memorial seats by Mrs M. Mills, Mrs M. Bentley and Mrs P. Pinch.
One of the garden’s most prominent features is the pond. The Society received a great deal of invaluable help with the pond from John Moores University and the Mersybasin Campaign. Work on the garden is ongoing and the society has recently employed a part-time gardener to help with the routine upkeep of the area. |
The land is owned by Robert Hesketh of Meols Hall and is leased to
the Society on a peppercorn rent. The gardens were formally opened
in 1992 as the Society’s contribution to Southport’s
Bicentenary celebrations. Originally the site of an ancient orchard
and also the line of a track from the village to Sally’s
Farm, the site is now an appreciated local amenity. 
The
garden also contains a flowering cherry tree donated by Mrs M.
Roberts and planted by pupils from Churchtown Primary School in
memory of the victims of the Dunblane tragedy (see right).
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