Wymondham: The Trevor Brown Happiness/Pabulum Garden

Whilst aimlessly strolling within the graveyard of the Fairland United Reform Church in Wymondham yesterday, I was pleasantly surprised to find a beautiful community garden situated immediately next to the burial ground. I decided to walk around to it and was delighted with what I found there. 

This beautiful dementia-friendly garden is full of scents, textures, art, sculpture, memories, human touches, poetry and, of course, it nurtures nature - including the best of human nature. I was also struck by the signage in the photo above - namely, The Trevor Brown Happiness Garden. Trevor is in his early eighties now, but I remember him many years ago when, as a young man, I was a caretaker at a centre of adults with physical disabilities in Norwich. Trevor was a very senior manager in Adult Social Services. I do not imagine for one second that he would remember me, but I certainly recall him fondly. Despite the enormous gulf between our work-based status he always took the time of day to say hello and was very kind and respectful (regrettably, for me, that wasn't always the case as the fella on the end of a mop). It is no surprise, therefore, to learn that he has a Happiness Garden named after him. In this instance, it is a tribute to his work and vision in supporting people living with dementia (including their carers) in the Wymondham area. 

I really enjoyed reading these plaques in memory of folk who are clearly recalled with warmth and gratitude. In particular, I smiled at the reference to 'the bearded villains' (I do like the sound of them!). 

On such a fine day, I stood awhile, leaning upon the old moss-clad wall, looking at the graveyard and chapel. I reflected upon the value of memory - such a feature of this space. It also struck me that this is an environment where folk could feel comfortable with not remembering; somewhere to just be. This is a place where the living and the dead are present. It is a place where synapses can be stimulated and fired up. It is a place that is populated with lots of Love-filled human touches...

I don't know why there is the figure of a large pig here, but I'm glad there is...

'Oinkins' (my name for him/her/they) has a lovely curly tail!

There are lots of poems adorning the garden as well. It brought home to me the depth of emotion and feeling invested in this special place. It also has lots of benches where folk can sit, rest awhile and unwind. When it was time for me to go, I realised that I was a lot happier within myself than I had been when I left for work earlier that day. I can testify, then, that this really is a happy garden. Thank you to everyone who made this beautiful place grow. 

The Fallible Flaneur <*(((((><(