THANKS to the hard work of Tedburn St Mary WI with some friends, a corner in the middle of the village that had been overgrown is now full of blooming colour.

The new garden was officially “opened” on Saturday morning, June 26 by Devon Federation WI representative, Alexis Swain, who said the garden was a lovely gift from the WI to the village to celebrate the centenary of Devon Federation and a tribute to the work of the Institute. 

It all came about because the Devon Federation had asked each Institute to do something for its centenary last year and there would have been a huge party, which Covid cancelled. 

Tedburn WI President, Sue Macpherson, said this corner had been dilapidated and very overgrown, clearing it was something they could do during lockdown. 

Four volunteers armed with chain saws, shovels and lots of elbow grease cleared the area over the summer, finding lots of rubbish including boots and shoes. 

Two trailer loads were taken away and then well rotted manure was dug in by more volunteers. 

Teignbridge District Council moved the litter bin which was almost beside the bench, donated by a village family some years ago, which the WI had been given permission to refurbish. 

South Western Power gave permission for the walls it owns to be repainted, Sue adding that getting all the different approvals for the work took longer than anticipated. 

The morning ended with coffee and cake outside the Village Hall just down the road from the new garden. The garden was festooned with purple and green ribbons, cut by Alexis, and a plaque has been put there to explain the work.