Thursday, 17 September, Portland Charity held the official opening of the Chestnuts Sensory Garden. The garden has been developed to provide a sensory-rich and engaging outdoor space for Portland’s learners, citizens, and staff members. This project was made possible thanks to incredibly generous legacy donations left to Portland Charity and the hard work and dedication of Vaughandale Construction Ltd., who delivered the entire Chestnuts Sensory Garden project from start to finish, bringing the vison to life.
The opening was marked with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony, with local business woman, Co-founder of Gardens of Giving CIC, Sarah Armson, doing the honours following a welcome speech from Portland Charity Group CEO, Mark Dale MBE.
The Chestnuts Sensory Garden was once an empty space between buildings, which has been brought to life and is now a vibrant space filled with a gazebo, canopy sheltered seating, a small water fountain, and calm lighting.
The event welcomed a number of invited guests, including Legacy family members, the Vaughandale Construction Ltd. team, members of the board of Governors and Portland Charity learners and staff. Guests enjoyed light refreshments and activities such as bird ball making and plant potting, ran by Portland tutors and learners.
Display boards were positioned around the sensory garden showcasing before, during, and after construction photographs of the project, which were produced by Portland College learners and Assistive Augmentative Technology (AAT) Assistant, Suzanne Frost who was instrumental in the development of the garden. Alongside this, a permanent sign has been installed, acknowledging the legacy and charitable trust donations.
The event provided an opportunity to explore and experience the garden, take part in practical activities, and see first-hand what their support has helped to create, while offering families the chance to see the lasting impact of their loved ones’ generosity.
Portland Charity CEO Dr. Mark Dale MBE said;
“This garden has been created using legacy donations and has converted a rather horrible looking tarmac yard into the most beautiful courtyard that will work for everyone in all weathers. The design of the garden responds to the sensory needs of Portland’s learners, providing a contrast to the four walls of their classrooms.”
Stories like this are only possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters. If you would like to help continue this work, whether through a one-off donation or a lasting legacy gift, you can find out more about the ways to give on our website: https://www.portland.ac.uk/ways-to-support-us/