Aims of St Leonards Gardens, Conclusion

I have just spoken to Jane Dodson, the Community Development Officer for St Ls Gardens.

She has a plan for involving the public more in the gardens. Bear in mind that the gardens don't officially open until June 2008.

Along with the St L Burton Soc they are having a permanent historic interpretation exhibition in South Lodge which will be manned by locals. The resources for this will come from the Hastings Art Gallery and Museum who hold the archives of Burton's designs and books of his watercolours. Has anyone looked at these? (The museum is behind White Rock Theatre)

South Lodge will also provide facilities for groups such as children on nature trails, childrens play, tai chi and other health pursuits such as walks and jogging. They hope to do events with Royal Vic Hotel and Assembly Rooms involving artists, musicians; furniture, sound and light, installations which are forward looking but also reference the past.

There is an audience development plan to attract the public; locals, friends and visitors and tourists. They will use the 2 notice boards in the park, comission a local artist (who has done Old Town and Warror Sq) to do an interpretation board at Marina Pavillion, the new public building on the sea front, with a variety of leaflets. An important barrier to overcome are the 2 lodges which still act like gates. There will also be signs at Warrior Sq train station.

Thought this might be useful for conclusion.

Contacts: Jane Dodson, community Development Officer, St Ls Gardens, jdodson@hastings.gov.uk, 01424 451071, 07968004839
Hastings Museum and Art Gallery
Burton St Leonards Society, Christine Francis sec. 01424 421207

Helen