We were delighted to finally welcome back our 2020 leavers and former Headmistress, Miss Jo MacKenzie, on the evening of Friday 10th September for a much-delayed farewell celebration and the official opening of our beautiful Sensory Garden. Canapés and fizz circulated and the beautifully fragrant smell of the garden (aided by the earlier downpour!) filled the air.
The garden was the vision of the 2019/20 Girls’ Leadership Group (GLG) who wanted to create an outdoor space for students to take a break from their studies, a place to find calm, a sanctuary. It was particularly wonderful to see this year group, who finished their schooling in the most challenging of times, to hear about what they have been up to and their plans for the future.
The beautiful garden was kindly designed by BGS parent, Mr Scott, MD and Principal Designer at The Garden Co. A big thank you to The Alumnae, the Bedford High School Guild and The Association who all generously donated funds to turn the vision of this year group into a reality.
The garden incorporates a raised-beds for growing organic vegetables for use at Greens, promoting the importance of gardening and the benefits it brings to mental and physical health. The garden as it matures, will be an array of soothing colours and scents, as well as being attractive to our bee population.
Mrs Gibson (Headmistress) reflected: “It was so wonderful to see many of our 2020 leavers come back to celebrate the opening of the Sensory Garden with us and, of course, to welcome back former Headmistress, Miss MacKenzie, without whom we would not have this incredibly beautiful and peaceful space for our students.
“It is a testament to the determination of that year group and the assistance of so many from our wider community that the garden came to fruition through such a difficult time. After 18 months of separation, it was our great pleasure to bring parts of our community back together again, both past and present, and I know we will continue to enjoy the garden in this way for many years to come.”
View photos here.
