L-r: Mark Brenninkmeyer, OSJCT Oxfordshire County Trustee; Dave Eden, Volunteer; Jo Tustin, Activities Co-ordinator; Laura Beadle, Home Manager; Philip Sharman, Oxfordshire Deputy Lieutenant; Ann Thomas, Administrator; Ted Beaney, Volunteer.

Over 60 guests, residents and team members joined an open garden and BBQ to celebrate Henry Cornish Care Centre’s victory as Trust in Bloom’s Oxfordshire winner. Oxfordshire Deputy Lieutenant, Philip Sharman, and the Mayor of Chipping Norton, Cllr. Sandra Coleman were among the guests who enjoyed tours of the garden.

Henry Cornish Care Centre, opened its gardens to the local community along with food and live music. Those attending met with members of the core gardening team – Ann Thomas, Administrator, Jo Tustin, Activities Co-ordinator; Volunteers Dave Eden and Ted Beaney – and learned more about new features in the garden, such as the rockery area, flower borders in the side garden and fruit and vegetable raised beds.

Philip Sharman, Oxfordshire Deputy Lieutenant, said: "Henry Cornish Care Centre’s garden is truly stunning. It is a real blessing for everyone who lives or visits here. Incredible work has been carried out by the team here in their bid to win The Orders of St. John Care Trust’s Trust in Bloom in Oxfordshire and achieve Best Wildlife Garden and Best Edible Garden.

“Congratulations and thank you to everyone who contributed in various ways, your support has been invaluable to the Henry Cornish Care Centre and the broader community.”

Cllr Sandra Coleman, Chipping Norton Mayor, said: “It was lovely to join residents and staff at Henry Cornish Care Centre for their summer garden party. I was really impressed by the friendly, family atmosphere, and the gardens are beautiful. This is a fabulous place.”

Laura Beadle, Home Manager, said: "We're completely overjoyed to win Best Overall Garden in Oxfordshire. Winning is such a joy. I’m so proud of the whole team. 

“We are hoping to grow our team of volunteer gardeners so that we can continue to evolve our gardens and introduce new elements for 2025. We invite anyone who would like volunteer with us, or donate plants, seeds or bulbs, to get in touch."

For more information about future events and community initiatives follow www.facebook.com/OSJCTHenryCornish.

To watch interviews with employees and volunteers and view the gardens at Henry Cornish Care Centre click on the link: https://youtu.be/f-0v05B1Bc8