|
Click here to view a slideshow of the works
Click here to view a short video of the works
This page explains the works which were carried out in 2008-9
With the approval of the planners, the conservation groups and the council,
we have improved the aspect of the gardens from Jenner Walk. The following drawing
shows how the lowered wall with iron railings looks, from inside the gardens,
looking towards Jenner Walk.
|
|
Jenner Gardens
The Jenner Gardens is the graveyard of Cheltenham Chapel in
St. George's Square, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England.
Since the chapel has been decommissioned the building has been used as
commercial premises and Cheltenham Borough Council took over the care of the graveyard.
During the 1980s the Civic Society
undertook a great deal of work to clear and enhance the site. Sadly, thereafter
the graveyard became very overgrown and a magnet for drug-taking and other
anti-social behaviour. In February 2004, the Council closed the graveyard
to the public and cleared the site of much of the vegetation.
Jenner lived close to the chapel site from 1795 until 1823 and was, through his friend Rowland Hill, involved in its establishment in 1809. Subsequently, the chapel was regularly used as a centre for vaccination. |
|
|
The Friends of Jenner Gardens
The Friends of Jenner Gardens were formed from a group of local residents and business people
who were concerned about the state of the graveyard. Over a period of eighteen months in 2008-9
The Friends carried out a considerable amount of historical research to
support a funding bid.
Cheltenham Borough Council's Green Environment
Cheltenham Borough Council's
Green Environment produced plans of the graveyard which were approved by the Friends,
and at a public consultation. Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent were granted.
|
|
The next step
The next step was to apply for funding to
undertake the work. The Friends of Jenner Gardens
actively pursued grants to enable the plans to come to fruition
creating a lasting tribute to Edward Jenner.
The plans included:
- New paths suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
-
New gates and boundary railings, designed to match existing railings around the bowling green.
-
Information panels describing the life of Edward Jenner (the discovery of vaccination)
and the history of the local area.
- Lavender hedges and wild flowers.
- Seats supplied for peaceful contemplation.
The Friends Today
Having completed the restoration works, the Friends group now acts as a link
with Cheltenham Borough Council in resolving problems arising on the site.
Including:
- Replacing plaques on memorial benches.
- Keeping a watching brief
- Cooperating with neighbours in opening and locking the gardens
See the drawings below
|
