A BAPTIST church in Burnham marked the opening of its community garden over the past weekend.

Burnham Baptist Church celebrated the long-awaited opening of its community garden on Saturday, July 31.

Covid set the project back, but the church is pleased it is finally open.

Members of the church and visitors celebrated the occasion with a picnic, craft activities, a quiz, and refreshments.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: The garden opening was celebrated with craft activitiesThe garden opening was celebrated with craft activities

Burnham's deputy town mayor Bob Calver, Maldon District Council leader Wendy Stamp, and Sandra Swanborough from the Burnham Surgery, cut the ribbon to make the garden's opening official.

The rain held off and visitors enjoyed the new garden in the sunshine.

The space at the rear of the church building has been transformed into a haven where residents can visit and sit peacefully.

Alternatively, they can join in growing and sharing vegetables, fruit, flowers and herbs.

It will be open for gardening until October.

The project will run every Wednesday morning from 9.30am to 12pm, and Saturdays from 2pm to 4pm.

Every gardener should bring their own tools, but the church have a small selection for those who don't have any to use.

The church hope enough produce may be grown to donate to good causes or share with neighbours.

Each year all the regular gardeners will have the chance to design the next years growing scheme.

A spokesman for the church said: "A warm welcome to anyone from the town who would like to get growing or would just like some company."

There is full access for wheelchair users.

For more information go to www.burnhambaptistchurch.co.uk/weekly-activities/the-garden.

Or visit its Facebook page.

Minister Karen Smilley can be contacted on 01621 784323 or minister@burnhambaptistchurch.co.uk.