A new public space dedicated to the memory of a much-missed champion of the community has been officially opened in Kirkby Stephen.
A ceremony at Silver Street Gardens marked the end of work to enhance and refurbish the town memorial garden in memory of Joan Johnstone, who was chair of Kirkby Stephen Town Council from 2010 to 2021 and died, aged 73, in 2021.
Joan was a town councillor for 30 years and the driving force in many other local organisations.
Stuart Johnstone, Joan’s husband of 50 years, cut the ribbon at the private event on Tuesday.
Before cutting the ribbon, Mr Johnstone said: “What a wonderful way to remember her and for all the work she did to make this town so special — somewhere we and many others can always come and remember her and this beautiful place, we can’t thank the council enough for doing this — a special place for a special lady. Thank you all.”
The memorial garden project aimed to create an appealing and welcoming green space in the heart of the town. The boundary wall was lowered to improve visibility into the park and encourage use, the park area extended, sitting areas introduced and hard and soft landscaping introduced.
Stephen Macaulay of Penrith-based YAM architects designed and project managed the garden scheme, as well as improvements to the visitor centre. Frilu Bespoke Outdoor Living carried out the memorial garden work.
The scheme is one of the projects that has been completed in and around the town as part of the Kirkby Stephen Town Centre Improvement Scheme, which has seen Westmorland and Furness Council working with Kirkby Stephen Town Council, local members and others to secure and invest external funding of £345,000 from the Government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UK SPF).
Kirkby Stephen and Tebay councillors John Murray and Adrian Waite have been supporting the project.
Cllr Murray said: "I’m delighted to see this garden reshaped and opened out. It makes a welcome area as visitors arrive into Kirkby Stephen from the north, a wonderful space for residents to enjoy, a much-improved access to the Masonic Hall and a very special tribute to Joan.
Cllr Waite said: “This is an excellent and beautiful garden right in the heart of Kirkby Stephen. It is a fitting tribute to former Councillor Joan Johnstone who did much good work for the town. It will be a wonderful place for residents and visitors to visit and to enjoy. Thanks to all those who have contributed to creating it.”
Kirkby Stephen Town Council chairman, Cllr Paul Richardson, said: “I am proud that we have been able secure these improvements for Kirkby Stephen at no additional cost to local taxpayers. Westmorland and Furness Council have been great partners to work with and Yam architects, who have designed Silver Street Gardens and project managed both building projects, have really delivered for us. The new interpretation is a refreshing new look for the town as well. I am proud too that we have had the opportunity to remember my predecessor as Chairman Joan Johnstone who made such a huge contribution to the life of the town by dedicating Silver Street Gardens to her”.
Residents were invited to an open day to celebrate the work that has been completed across all of the projects within the scheme yesterday (Saturday 17 May) in Silver Street Memorial Garden, where there were refreshments and an opportunity to talk to those involved with the projects.
Improvements to the outside of the town's visitor centre have been undertaken to help protect this important building, including external refurbishment and installing new timber windows carried out by local builder and stonemason, Paul Thompson. New planters and benches have also been installed in the Market Square.
The playground next to Kirkby Stephen Primary School was also upgraded earlier this year – this work saw the see saw remaining in place, the swings replaced with an upgraded swing set which includes inclusive seats, a new climbing frame with slide and accessible roundabout, as well as new surfacing. Work on the playground, supplied by Sutcliffe Play, was completed on 31 January and opened officially on 4 February.
New interpretation boards have been installed at Silver Street Memorial Garden, Upper Eden Visitor Centre, Christian Head car park and the Railway Station to improve wayfinding throughout the town. The aim of the scheme is to use the panels to create an engaging outdoor trail that celebrates Kirkby Stephen's character, community and businesses. The panels, designed by Make Things Happen, share local heritage, stories and little-known facts as well as practical direction and signage. It is hoped that the trail will capture the attention of visitors to the town and residents alike, directing them to areas of the town that they might not have thought to explore before.
In addition, Westmorland and Furness Council has working with partners from the Coast-to-Coast Path, which was recently awarded National Trail status. The Countryside Access Team have now installed better signage from the C2C into Kirkby Stephen, making sure walkers are aware of the facilities available in town.