The Friends of St Ann's Well Gardens
Come and see the beautiful and exciting new addition to the Sensory Garden!
The ‘Dovecote’ a kinetic sculpture by local artist Jon Mills, was unveiled by the Mayor of Brighton and Hove in the Park on 13th May and is already proving a hit with the crowds gathered for the ‘big reveal’.
Pippa Smith, Chair of the Friends of St Ann's Well Gardens says:- “We have worked hard to raise the money and waited a long time for lovely Dovecote. It already looks at home in the Sensory Garden and I just know that it will be a fantastic focal and talking point for visitors to the Park.
“We owe a big thank you to the Rampion Fund, Sussex Community Foundation who have made this possible and we hope to attract more exciting sculptures and artwork into St Ann’s Well Park. An ‘art trail’ through the Gardens would be a wonderful addition to the City.”
Talking about the inspiration behind his artwork, Jon Mills, said:
"As soon as I saw the brick column in the Sensory Garden and realised that it used to support a dovecote, I knew I wanted to produce one of my ‘Birds on Springs’ sculptures.
A simple spring allows the birds to gently move in the slightest breeze, and I have loosely based the design of the cote on the shapes of the original.
“Fabricated from forged and welded steel with stainless steel springs, the work has been powder-coated a playful orange and turquoise to help it stand out against the foliage."
The Friends of St Ann’s Well Gardens' Easter Egg hunt and Craft event proved a big hit with children and adults alike, who flocked to the park on Easter Saturday. The sun shone and the queue grew long as the children made the most of the paints and glitter to create their own masks and Easter cards. More were to be seen dashing around the Park, looking up into the trees to find the painted eggs, working out the clues, and claiming their chocolaty prize at the end.
“We love organising these events” said Pippa Smith, Chair of the Friends of St Ann’s Well Gardens “Its great to see the children running round and having such a good time in the park. The sunshine certainly put a smile on everyones’ faces and I think this was our best year ever.
“With so many queuing to join in the Easter fun it got a bit messy, definitely creative and sometimes chaotic but ultimately an exciting time was had by all.”
Annual Membership Subscription costs just £3 for an individual and £5 for a family.
In return you will receive regular updates with information on Events and Projects that The Friends of St Ann's Well Gardens are working on for the benefit of our park.
Join by Paypal below alternatively download our membership form which you can email back to us, and pay by bank transfer (we'll send you the details).
If you are a UK taxpayer, you can Gift Aid your membership fee - please download a Gift Aid form and return it to us.
Diary Dates
Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st May
Artists' Open Houses
Sunday 21st May and Sunday 18th June 10-11am,
in the Sensory Garden, free trial QiGong sessions - gentle upper-body exercise suitable for those with mobility problems and in wheelchairs
Wednesdays in May June & July, 18.30 to 19.30
in the Sensory Garden, starting 17th May -
Brazilian Dancing
To Book:- https://rosaria-gracia.com/product/afro-brazilian-dance-maracatu
Thursday 6th July 11 – 12 Butterfly Walk.
Meet at the Noticeboard. Booking essential - email Alison@fosawg.org
We look forward to welcoming you all to activities in the Gardens through the coming months. Details as always on the Noticeboard (opposite the tennis courts).
