Jubilee daffodils for Dovehouse Green

12 June 2003

Royal Borough Mayor, Councillor Christopher Buckmaster was today on hand to re-open Dovehouse Green, a charming garden at the centre of the King's Road. Accompanied by Mayoress, Councillor Miss Barbara Campbell, the Mayor unveiled a plaque celebrating the Golden Jubilee and expressed his approval at the success of the Green's refurbishment project.

With the Leader of the Council, Councillor Merrick Cockell; the Rector of St Luke's and Christ Church, Reverend Christopher Kevill-Davies; representatives of the Chelsea Society, the Chelsea Festival, the Chelsea Arts Club; and residents of Thamesbrook Elderly Persons' Home also in attendance, all the guests and onlookers enjoyed the fine weather and the relaxing atmosphere of the newly refurbished gardens.

Now home to Victorian lighting columns and lanterns, 'York' stone pathways and traditional park benches, the Green has been transformed this Spring. The gardens are now an oasis of calm in the heart of Chelsea.

The project was originally suggested by the Chelsea Society and supported by the Rector of St Luke's and Christ Church. Funded by the Royal Borough as part of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations, the project has seen Royal Borough Officers from Environmental Services, Leisure Services-Parks and Highways and Street Lighting carry out and complete the improvement works. Chelsea Society Chairman, Mr David Le Lay was closely involved throughout.

Councillor Buckmaster said: "This refurbished garden is a quiet sanctuary for local residents and visitors from the bustle of the King's Road."

With a swathe of bulbs due to be planted in autumn, expect a 'host of golden daffodils' at Dovehouse Green next spring!

For further information contact Press and Public Relations.

Notes for Editors: Dovehouse Green was originally built in 1977 to commemorate the Queen's Silver Jubilee and the founding of the Chelsea Society in 1927. It is the site of a previous burial ground for St Luke's Church.

Photography available