The Reading Garden Project

Sarah was commissioned by The Shenley Church End Parish Council to create a mosaic for The Reading Garden as part of a project to celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022. Sarah asked if she could get the community involved and this idea was warmly welcomed. The project quickly evolved, Sarah launched a children's design competition for primary age children attending local schools. Entries for six woodland animals were asked for and over 250 designs were sent in. Some schools gave children the opportunity to create their designs in class and other schools sent out parentmails and children were able to create their designs from home. Six winning entries were selected and the children that won the competition worked with Sarah on the mosaic, bringing their design to life. Community workshops quickly got booked up and with the help of local residents a beautiful mosaic mural was made. Sarah also put forward an idea to build a bespoke library which could be used as a book swap. This library was also embellished with mosaics and within the window was a surprise for the children. The animals were made and they were all wearing party hats or a bow tie with the Owl wearing a crown attending their very own jubilee party! The idea was to inspire the creative imaginations of those young (and older). The library is now open and books can be borrowed, swapped or enjoyed within the garden. This project has really enhanced this community space and given residents a purpose to spend time in The Reading Garden.

There was a wonderful unveiling evening where The Milton Keynes Mayor Mayor of MK and The High Sheriff Of Buckinghamshire attended the event. The competition winners; Olivia, Sharanya, Aanya, Liam, Evie and Farah all received a certificate for their achievement. It was a wonderful evening where a huge amount of pride was felt by everyone that had been a part of the project and there was a brilliant sense of community.