High Sheriff opens tiny hotel in Leamington
A formal ribbon cutting, to open Leamington’s newest hotel, took place on 29th August.
High Sheriff of Warwickshire, Susan Rasmussen, brandishing the smallest scissors available, invited new residents in by cutting a tiny ribbon across the doorway to the Christ Church replica bug hotel in Christchurch Gardens.
The formalities were concluded with a short speech and a larger pair of scissors with full size ribbon across the whole building. As High Sheriff, Ms Rasmussen’s responsibilities focus on law and order and she recognised the importance of green spaces when she said “Christchurch Gardens with its Friends group and team of local volunteers, is a space that residents value and want to retain. Parks and gardens are important to our well being, but well loved green spaces can also help to reduce antisocial and unlawful behaviour, because their value to the community is recognised.”
Christ Church stood opposite the top of Parade until 1959, when it was demolished, having fallen into disrepair. Friends of Christchurch Gardens committee member, Gary Mitchell, researched the type of shelter insects require and studied photos of the original church, before building the replica. The bug hotel has been positioned close to plants and flowers, which will provide food for insects emerging from hibernation, rather than on the exact historical site of the church.
Chair of the Friends Alison Chantrey, said: “We have been working with Warwick District Council to enhance the Gardens for 8 years now. We’re delighted to bring history and nature together in the new bug hotel, which is a fun and eye-catching addition to the space. We’re so grateful to the High Sheriff of Warwickshire for her support. Thanks are also due to Councillor Max Langar at Warwickshire County Council who approved the funding for this latest project, but was unfortunately unable to join us.”
Having dodged the rain earlier in the day, those attending the launch enjoyed coffee and cake as they admired the new structure and looked forward to new residents arriving over the coming years.
More information on the Friends of Christchurch Gardens
The Friends of Christchurch Gardens aim:
To protect the Gardens, both now and for future generations;
To enhance the Gardens; and
To raise the profile of the Gardens as a valuable and valued community space.
They are a small committee of local volunteers, who want to maintain and improve this wonderful green space in the heart of Leamington. To find out more about their work follow the Friends online @FriendsofChristchurchGardens or sign up to their newsletter via focg.org.uk