Latest news with #PeaceGarden
BBC News
06-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
First phase of Newbury garden project opens in town centre
The first phase of a new town centre garden funded by a government grant of almost £800,000 has been completed. The Peace Garden in Newbury was set to welcome visitors for the first time following an opening ceremony at 13:00 of the site has so far involved tree planting and the creation of a picnic lawn. The second phase of work will be completed by West Berkshire Council at a later date. Councillor Justin Pemberton, from the local authority, said, the opening of the garden "marks a proud and transformative moment for Newbury". "It's a vital part of our vision to reimagine the town centre as a place where people can connect, not just with each other, but with nature and the environment around them," he said."This welcoming space is a tribute to thoughtful design and strong partnerships and I'm excited to see it flourish." The project has been funded by the government through its Thames Valley Local Enterprise Partnership and UK Shared Prosperity Berkshire Council said the new space "blends nature, accessibility, and community connection".A second phase of the garden's development will involve putting mixed grass in new raised planters for "picnics, play and pause".New timber benches will also be installed, leading to a viewing platform by the riverfront, new metal railings to the water's edge and some more planters and a spokesperson for the council last month said the second phase of work had not yet been finished due to work shoring up the garden's canal the new Peace Garden, a new Tudor garden at the Grade I listed Elizabethan mansion Shaw House - also in Newbury - was also set to be officially unveiled. You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
BBC News
26-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Newbury town centre Peace Garden not open despite £800k spend
A town centre's garden is still not open despite nearly £800,000 of public money being spent on Berkshire Council is blaming the delays on finishing the section to shore up the canal bank at Newbury's so called Peace project is backed by external grants of £375,000 from the Thames Valley Local Enterprise Partnership and £420,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund – the levelling up Democrat for Newbury Central, Louise Sturgess said: "It was not being used to its best potential particularly as it is a prime location in the town centre." The council said there are two phases to tidy up the open section of first phase is now complete and involved cutting down some trees, planting others and creating a picnic two involves putting mixed grass in new raised planters for "picnics, play and pause".New timber benches will lead to a viewing platform by the riverfront, new metal railings to the water's edge and some more planters and trees.A council spokesperson said: "We are unable to complete Phase 2 at the moment as it's dependent on finalising the canal sheet piling works."It said "once the sheet piling work is can then finalise the Peace Garden Phase 2."Sheet piling means repairing work to the canal edge along the Sturgess said: "The Peace Garden was not an inviting place to be."Improvements to the garden will make it bigger and turn it into a welcoming green space where everyone will be able to walk and relax." You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
IOL News
08-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Rotary Peace Garden: a new symbol of peace in Cape Town
His Excellency Joaquim Chissano, President of the Republic of Mozambique. Statue of Samora Machel Former President of Mozambique, Past District Governor Ann Wright and Ivete Muquingue Uqeio Consular General of Mozambique in Cape Town at the Long March to Freedom Exhibition of 101 bronze Statues. As the winter chill settles in across Cape Town, a vibrant new symbol of peace is emerging, inviting locals and visitors alike to pause and reflect. The Rotary Peace Garden, officially launched on the final day of the Rotary Intercountry Committee (ICC) Africa Peace Forum from 25 to 27 April 2025, takes pride of place within the Long March to Freedom Bronze Statue Park in Century City. More than just a tranquil green space, this new garden embodies the spirit of global cooperation and the relentless pursuit of peace. Surrounded by 101 bronze figures representing South Africa's legendary leaders, the garden is rooted in indigenous flora, serving as a reminder that, like the plants it nurtures, the ideals of peace must be cultivated and cherished. 'This garden is more than a symbol. It is a space where peace can grow. It is a commitment, a promise, and a reminder that peacebuilding doesn't end with words; it lives in what we do next,' remarked PDG Ann Wright, co-coordinator of the Peace Forum and a key proponent of the garden. 'We're so thankful to Century City and the Long March to Freedom Heritage Project for making this dream a reality.' At the heart of the garden stands an iconic Peace Pole, inscribed with the universal prayer 'May Peace Prevail on Earth' in various languages. This visual statement acts as a quiet yet powerful call to action, urging each passerby to reflect on their role in the ongoing journey towards peace. Describing the garden as the "cherry on the cake," Helene Visser, Past Rotary Foundation chairperson, enthusiastically urged all to experience the space. 'Every visitor to Cape Town should come and experience it.' Former Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano, who found profound inspiration in the garden, even extended his stay to partake in the unveiling. At the gala dinner before the launch, he spoke passionately about the need to plant and nurture peace in homes, classrooms, and communities, advocating for its place across cultures and generations. The garden's unveiling was the final flourish of the second ICC Africa Peace Forum, which convened leaders, Rotarians, diplomats, and changemakers from more than 18 countries representing Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The ICC serves as Rotary's vital framework for fostering international friendship and grassroots diplomacy, thus strengthening intercultural relationships and enhancing efforts towards impactful peace-building initiatives. The gathering, hosted with dignity and distinction by Rotary District 9350—spanning Namibia, Angola, and the western half of South Africa—opened with a warm welcome from Acting Premier Jaco Londt. It included inspiring talks from influential figures such as Nomhle Canca of The Chief Albert Luthuli Foundation, Christo van der Reede from the FW de Klerk Foundation, and Janet Jobson from the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation. Each speaker contributed to a unified message: peace is local, attainable, and begins with individual initiative. 'We live in a world shaken by rising conflict, division, and displacement, and this forum proved that peace is local, global, and very real,' PDG Ann Wright reaffirmed. 'The world needs reminders that peace is still possible, and it starts close to home—in the conversations we hold, the communities we serve, and yes, even the gardens we grow.' The Rotary Peace Garden is now open to everyone, free of charge. Those interested in learning more about the ICC Peace Forum and how to engage with its initiatives can visit
