New sculpture installed in the Covid Memorial Garden

On Friday 20 May, the “Circle of Life” Covid Memorial Garden, located in the Melton Country Park will officially be opened to the public.

The new “Circle of Life” garden has been created as a place for local people to reflect and remember those frontline workers, volunteers and loved ones who lost their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Within the garden multiple benches will be available for visitors to use and various plants, shrubs and flowers have been specially selected to provide colour and interest throughout the seasons, including rosemary with its evergreen foliage, which is traditionally associated with memory and remembrance.

The opening event will see the unveiling of a new sculpture made by Peter Leadbetter, a local chainsaw sculptor, which will sit in the centre of the garden. The design of the sculpture intends to recognise the important role the park played during the pandemic in providing a safe outdoor environment and aims to commemorate key workers, volunteers and the NHS as well as symbolising a brighter future.

Cllr Malise Graham, Portfolio Holder for People and Communities said “The recent coronavirus pandemic affected all of us in one way or another. This new “Circle of Life” garden will help signify the role parks have played during these times as well provide a place where we can reflect and remember those that we tragically lost during that difficult time.

“It has been designed by Marie Walters, a local garden designer, adding another beautiful and relaxing area in the park. We hope that residents respect, enjoy and can benefit from the new addition to our wonderful asset the Country Park.”

The garden is an important new addition to the Melton community and local students from John Ferneley College have undertaken volunteer work to help maintain the garden before the opening event. The students have been working with The Friends of Melton Country Park group and Melton Borough Council to assist in weeding and dead heading plants and shrubs, as part of their Duke of Edinburgh awards.

Members of the public are invited to come to the Covid Memorial Garden in Melton Country Park at 11am to join the Mayor in opening the new garden and unveiling the new sculpture. The memorial garden can be located by entering the park via, Willow Drive, LE13 1UA.

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For more information please contact:

Email: communications@melton.gov.uk