To touch the soul

A rare chance to share the wonder of a garden in Wells this weekend (June 15th, 16th and 17th) has raised thousands of pounds for charity.

Art in the Garden at Stoberry Park attracted over 2000 visitors over the three days who were treated to an event that truly touched the soul. Over thirty pieces of art, worth more than £7000, were sold on commission, and work was also commissioned from many artists exhibiting at the show.

Elements to tantalise the six senses delighted adults and children alike in this fabulous Mendip setting. It was truly a family day out.

Breathtaking views and vistas; part of the natural garden setting, wowed the visitors, but even these were totally superseded by dramatic sculpture, stunning artworks and wonderful creations that seasoned this whole living gallery.

Wells Cathedral created the perfect foil to a pair of balancing acrobats by John Robinson, while the slopes of Stoberry Park were littered with a flock of multicoloured sheep decorated by local school children as part of a design competition. (See below). Galloping horses, soaring eagles and leap-froggers all added delight and intrigue to the manicured grounds.

The Stoberry Park lake, normally inhabited by ducks and a school of hungry carp were surprised to be sharing their patch with Raku fired ammonites and primitive fish that were liberated as glowing, red hot creations from the lakeside kiln by ceramicist Eddie Daughton and then quenched in the lake. While the smell of the wood kiln wafted over the lake adding to this primeval scene.

The sound of laughing children running between the flower borders as they investigated the sculpture with awe was accompanied by the buzz and bustle of foraging bumblebees and the enchanting sound of bird song. And at night the marquee came alive to the sound of the Wells Big Band and the entertaining Lippy Lyrics who performed to an appreciative crowd.

Taste buds were tickled by homemade cakes and light refreshments provided by the Macmillan Cancer Support and The Children’s Hospice Friends Group.

Tactile tree bark, smooth bronzes and the touch of garden foliage tantalised visitors as they meandered around the garden gallery, adding another dimension to this wonderful family day out.

A thirst for gardening know-how was quenched on Sunday afternoon by two informative talks by local plant experts and ‘A Question of Gardening’, chaired by the Bishop of Bath & Wells; Bishop Peter Price.

But it was the nourishment of the sixth sense; the nurturing of the soul that was totally the icing on the cake for this event. The essence of this garden setting, its peace and tranquillity, coupled with the magic of the art, truly fed the spirit. Mythical creatures; unicorns, fairies and even characters from Greek Mythology simply added to the atmosphere of this garden, overlooking mystical Avalon. Visitors who took the time to sit awhile amid the plants and artwork, took home a calmer spirit and the knowledge that they had helped support others in need by way of their entry tickets and purchases on the day.

Jean Vernon

Sheep Success

A pair of sheep decorated by Children from the Blue School in Wells received a very special mention in the Stoberry Park Sheep Competition at the weekend. Thirty three exhibits from schools in the surrounding area formed a colourful flock of sheep on the slopes of the garden at Art in the Garden this weekend. The sheep were judged on Friday night by a panel of local VIP’s and then over the course of the weekend visitors were also asked to cast their votes for a People’s Poll.

The Judges choice gave First Prize to the Kingswood School ‘Pollution’ sheep, which was also awarded second prize in the People’s Poll. Second choice from the judges was the ‘Hippy’ sheep from Oldfield School in Bath, which was awarded First prize in the People’s Poll. Third prize was unanimous in both sets of judging and was awarded to Prior Park College’s entry ‘Earth’. But the judges all wanted to give a special mention to some of the other designs created for the competition, Both entries by students of the Blue School in Wells, ‘Pink Swirls’ and ‘Pink Fluffy’ were highly commended and the sheep with Wings from Kingswood School was also given a special mention.

Jean Vernon