Beryl

One poignant aspect of this project has always been an awareness that not all of the wonderful people who've been involved may be there with us to celebrate when it finishes. I'd like to introduce one such lady who sadly passed away recently; the fun-loving, witty, gracious and genteel Beryl.

Beryl arrives for a garden activity

Sadly Beryl died recently and even though we in the Sensory Trust knew her for only two years, her imprint on our lives was deep enough for us to feel the sadness too.  With thanks to the kind permission of her family, this is our tribute to Beryl.

Beryl was a 'project pioneer', joining Creative Spaces at the very beginning in September 2009, at the tender young age of 92.  She rarely missed the opportunity to join in an activity; 'pimping' her badge in the very first activity, making 'Memory Postcards', carving pumpkins, creating a 'Design Card' for the garden to name a few. Through these activities she became a familiar face to many of the young people also involved and it was a pleasure to see the mutual respect and kindness that she shared with them.

Beryl also loved coming out on our visits and enjoyed trips to the Eden Project, where we chatted about the human impact on the environment;  Trerice gardens where her pumpkin-carving skills were judged alongside others; the China Clay Museum and the local fire station. She always had something lovely to say at the end of each visit.  I remember her leaving the Eden Project saying "It's days like this that make life worth living".

Friendships can start with a badge and a feather or two!

I regret that, due to various delays, we were unable to complete the garden in time for the summer and for Beryl to enjoy spending some time in it. But that is quickly overshadowed by remembering that, in the bigger picture, she helped to bring Trevarna closer to its community through her involvement. Everyone in the project got to know and like Beryl very quickly.  The local school students were particularly fond of her and would always ask if she was going to be joining in.  She was intelligent and eloquent with a hint of impishness about her; it was easy to be fond of her and want to spend time in her company.

Chatting with staff at the Eden Project

Planting seeds ready for the garden

 
There will always be a connection with Beryl through the garden. Her family are donating a bird bath and table because she loved birds so much. They will look beautiful situated in the garden and I know I'll think of Beryl whenever I see them. But in addition to that I think there will be other, much deeper connections that will form through our memories of her. Memories of Beryl that will, in a way, link us to the garden through her.

For me, it will be of her arriving at an outdoor activity with a smile and a wave and a piece of material sitting around her neck like a Duchess's fur stole. I swear you could almost hear 'The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba' by Handel playing in the background!

Bless you Beryl, and thank you.