A Garden For Cherry

A new memorial garden was unveiled last month at a celebration of life event for Cherry Hooker, a dear friend to the Mansion for many years.

Valentines Mansion and Park were a huge part of Cherry’s life for over 20 years. A member of the original committee of the Friends of Valentines Mansion, Cherry worked tirelessly prior to the Mansion’s restoration, promoting the building and gardens raising awareness and much needed funds through many events including an annual May Fair. 

Cherry was a keen gardener and would surely have approved of the new space created as a lasting tribute to her.  The large flowerbed is as close to the Mansion as can be, and brings together plants Cherry loved dearly – twisted hazel, carex and hydrangea to name but a few. As a nod to Cherry’s love of coloured glass, the garden is embellished with a striking fused glass artwork installation designed and made by our very own studio artist Amanda Seljubac.

Simon Litt, Valentines Park Manager, who designed the space alongside Cherry’s daughter Lucy, commented

“I was lucky enough to have met and worked with Cherry, which was always a pleasure.  She gave up so much of her time for the Mansion and was always so supportive of everything we did. Creating this special space in her memory is the least we could do.”

Jan Ellery, Valentines Mansion Manager added

“I met Cherry back in 2018 when I joined the Mansion. Her passion and dedication to this fantastic building and its gardens was unmeasurable and the knowledge she shared with me was invaluable. I’m so pleased that we have been able to create this fantastic memorial to her.”

Next time you’re visiting the house, be sure to stop and admire the beautiful new garden just outside the house.