THE GRAND opening of Tavistock Hospital?s golden jubilee garden will go ahead next month despite the sad news of the death of guest of honour, the Duke of Bedford.
The ceremony was due to be held on Sunday July 6, with garden supporters the Duke and Duchess of Bedford in attendance and organisers say it will still take place as a mark of respect.
Jan Summers, project co-ordinator, said: ?We have sent a letter of condolence to the Bedfords? office as we wanted them to know we were thinking of them. We feel we have to go ahead as a mark of respect.
?They have been so supportive of our project, we have been in constant contact and have a beautiful file of letters they sent us.?
The Duke and Duchess, former Lord and Lady Tavistock, had visited the hospital in recent months and seen the garden under construction.
The majority of the work has been completed in the last few weeks and now final preparations for the opening are well under way, with the garden opening to patients and their visitors by the end of this week
Mrs Summers, said: ?The garden is in full bloom and looking fantastic. The patio is being furnished and furniture has arrived. There are lots of very fragrant smelling plants, loads of lavender, pinks, a really good selection of plants.?
Plans for the golden jubilee garden began last year when a group of hospital staff decided something should be done to make it a more inspiring area.
Funds of £15,000 were raised through a bed push in the town, many generous donations, individual efforts and a £5,000 lottery grant.
The project finally went ahead in April after planning proposals were approved, and a patio area, stair-lift and ramp access are just some of the garden?s new features.
Organisers hope to start a second phase to develop other sections of the garden and increase safety and access, and to continue work in the area.