14/06/2026
A huge thank you to everyone who came along to our Summer Solstice Garden Party yesterday and helped make it such a fantastic day. It was brilliant to finally open the shutters, pour the first pints, and see the garden bar being used exactly as it was intended – bringing people together.
As the garden bar project reached completion, I’d also like to recognise the incredible people who helped turn what started as another one of my ideas into a reality.
🔌 Kieron Lock of Lock Electrical for all the wiring and electrical installation.
🚜 Ian Kerridge of Border Construction for all the groundwork and getting us off to a solid start.
🔨 Tom Bird for his carpentry skills, hard work, and seemingly endless ability to turn his hand to just about anything.
🏠 Dan Bird of Herbert & Justice Roofing for his expertise fitting the rubber roof and making sure the whole thing stays dry for years to come.
🚪 Brett Deeks of Boxford Lane Joinery for somehow managing to make my salvaged door and questionable door lining actually work perfectly.
🪚 Richard Fernley of RF Home & Garden Maintenance for building the perfectly lined-up shutters and his attention to detail.
🚐 Nick Raymond of MGR Gardens for the use of his van to move what felt like half a timber yard and for keeping the garden looking tip-top throughout the build.
🍻 Barry Pitts for his skilful noggin cutting, general graft, and for making sure the team never went thirsty.
❤️ And finally, my long-suffering wife, for putting up with my impulsive decisions, endless trips to builders’ merchants, and the fact she’s barely seen me during the just under four weeks it took to build this from scratch. None of this would have been possible without her patience, support and understanding.
Looking back, it’s hard to believe that less than four weeks before the party this was just an empty patch of garden and an idea scribbled on a bit of paper. The amount of time, effort, skill and goodwill that went into this project has been incredible.
If I’ve accidentally missed anyone, please accept my sincere apologies. Every bit of help, advice, tool-lending, tea-making, material-moving and encouragement has been hugely appreciated.
And the fun doesn’t stop there! Today we’re hosting our Kids Cinema, so if you’re looking for something to keep the little ones entertained, come along and join us for an afternoon of films, snacks and family fun. We’re looking forward to another great day at the garden bar.
Built by local people, for local people. Thank you all for your support, and we hope to see you at the Kids Cinema today! 🍿🍻
