Over 250 visitors came to a party celebrating the opening of THG's new community garden in Honiton. Gallery goers and local families from across East Devon turned out to the garden opening, which was part of the national Museums At Night festival. They joined in face painting, making floral badges, a fancy dress competition, trying their hand at charcoal making over campfires then drawing with it, while enjoying local food stalls and music.

Cllr Stuart Hughes, Chairman of East Devon District Council, opened the community garden and said,

“I was honoured to open this beautiful community garden here at the Thelma Hulbert Gallery, which is such an important part of our local community of Honiton and East Devon. This new ‘Pocket Park’ is one of 87 created nationally by the government, which is a significant achievement for Honiton.

It is great to see this space transformed with local wildflowers, fruit bushes and trees, interactive areas for families, with bug hotels, live willow archways, herbs and edible plants. We look forward to seeing it grow and thrive.”

In total, Thelma Hulbert Gallery (THG) raised an impressive £30,000 for the garden’s regeneration with grants from local charitable trusts, as well as many grants, the government’s Pocket Parks scheme and generous private donations.

Angela Blackwell (THG Gallery Manager and Curator) commented,

“It was lovely to see so many visitors enjoying themselves here today. We would like to thank all the donors and trusts for their generosity, many of who came to the opening. We look forward to using the garden for lots more activities and workshops over the Summer.”