Today marked a momentous occasion at St. James’s Nursery Unit as we joyfully opened our brand-new THRiVE Family and Community Garden—a vibrant space blossoming with hope, collaboration, and community spirit.
This flourishing garden is the result of a remarkable collective effort, generously funded by the Live Here Love Here Small Grants Scheme. The project blossomed through the dedication of numerous community champions and local organisations. Our heartfelt thanks go to the Monkstown Community Garden Group, Newtownabbey Men’s Shed, and local businesses such as Eglantine Timber, Rosevale Sawmills, and Beach Grove Nurseries. Their collective efforts, alongside the enthusiasm of our nursery families, brought this vision to life. A special acknowledgment goes to our building supervisor, Eamonn, whose commitment and hard work were instrumental in the garden’s completion. Another word of thanks must go to our secretary Sareena Ikram who spent many hours logging and checking requisitions.
The official opening was graced by the presence of the Lord Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Neil Kelly, and Chris Quinn, the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People. Their support underscores the garden’s significance as a communal space for growth and togetherness.
This garden stands as a lasting legacy of the nursery children from the 2024–2025 school year, who have planted the very seeds of our family garden. Their hard work and commitment will be remembered for years to come, as the garden continues to grow and flourish, providing a space for learning, play, and relaxation.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to this wonderful addition to our outdoor provision. The THRiVE Family and Community Garden will be a cherished space for generations to come.
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