Surrey Sands have launched a project in partnership with Epsom and Ewell Borough Council to build a dedicated Babies Memorial Garden within Epsom Cemetery to be known as the Sands Butterfly Garden.
For those who don’t know this cemetery it is in an elevated, peaceful and sunny position just below the famous Epsom Grandstand with stunning views in the opposite direction across London. Originally opened in 1871 and extended in 1996 it now covers 25 beautifully maintained acres.
Epsom and Ewell Borough Council have generously provided a 27’ x 27’ plot in the southern extension of the cemetery. The Babies Memorial Garden will form the central focal point of the section to the left of the central driveway; grave spaces to the back of it will be reserved for baby burials, and the ones immediately to the front for family burials with their baby. Surrey Sands are raising the funds for the design and construction whilst the land has kindly been donated by the Council.
A lengthy design process has now started with the aim of creating a tranquil space with stone sculpture, seating, planting, memorial walls and some creative paving!
The aim of the garden is to create a tranquil and reflective space for any family whose baby died during pregnancy, around the time of birth or in the first few weeks of life. It will be of benefit whether recently or long ago bereaved, especially for those who have no place of focus belonging to their precious child, or as may be the case for some have no idea where their baby was laid to rest.
This garden will also be important for the history of Epsom being the first and only Baby Memorial in the Borough. It is particularly poignant being opened in the year the Borough celebrates is 75th Anniversary and Sands are proud to be making history which will be documented by the Surrey History Society.
If you wish to make a donation towards the project you can do so via this page, however we are also hoping to engage the support of several independent fundraisers doing their own challenges. If you would like to get involved please contact Lorna Bland Chairman Surrey Sands on surrey.sands@btinternet.com .
Further information on Surrey Sands is available on our web site www.surrey-sands.org.uk
The garden will be opened on 1st June 2012 to mark the start of Sands Awarness Month, the Queens Diamond Jubilee and the 75th Anniversary of Epsom and Ewell Borough.
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