A community garden in East Barnet was formally blessed on Saturday 25 July, as church members, local residents and community partners gathered to celebrate both the project and its first harvest.
A Blessing for a new beginning
The Jim’s Shed Community Garden, run by St James Church, New Barnet and based at East Barnet Valley Bowls Club (EBVBC) in Victoria Recreation Ground, was blessed by the Revd Sharon Ejinkonye, recently installed Vicar of St James. Around 45 people attended the blessing, following an afternoon where church members, bowls club members and visitors enjoyed playing bowls together.
The garden was established earlier this year after St James’ original community garden at the former vicarage in Park Road had to relocate. Thanks to a partnership with East Barnet Valley Bowls Club and support from Barnet Council’s Adopt a Place scheme, the project has found a new home and is already flourishing.
Several underused flower and shrub beds within the bowls club grounds have been transformed into vegetable and fruit plots, while additional raised beds have been installed behind the pavilion. A composting area and relocated garden shed have also helped create a sustainable growing space, supported by grants from Faiths Forum for London and the National City Park Foundation.
Growing food, friendship and community
The garden is cared for regularly by volunteers from St James Church and members of EBVBC. As well as producing fresh fruit and vegetables, it provides a welcoming place for people to relax, meet others and connect with nature.
Produce grown in the garden is shared through Jim’s Café, the community advice centre and coffee morning held every Wednesday at St James Church. The café offers refreshments, friendship and practical support, including regular Citizens Advice sessions and help with forms and benefits applications.
During the blessing, prayers were offered for all who care for the garden and those who benefit from its harvest. The congregation gave thanks for God’s creation and prayed that the space would continue to be one of “growth, beauty, welcome, and peace”.
A flourishing partnership
The Revd Sharon Ejinkonye said:
“What a joy to celebrate the blessing of the Jim’s Shed garden. Together, we gave thanks to God for the gift of creation and for all who will care for this space. May it continue to be a place of peace and fellowship to all who visit.”
Jeremy Alford, who leads Jim’s Shed, reflected on the journey to establish the new garden:
“When we lost the garden at the old vicarage, we and the bowls club realised that they had spare land which could be an ideal site where we could work together, and we have now adopted the space with thanks to Barnet Council.”
The partnership has strengthened existing links between the church and bowls club, which have previously hosted bowls taster sessions and community activities together.
David Mulford, Secretary of East Barnet Valley Bowls Club, said:
“The garden has made such a difference to the bowls club with this unique partnership with St James Church, New Barnet, redundant beds being revitalised with veg and flowers; it’s amazing how many comment on the community garden from visitors for matches or users of Victoria Recreation Ground.
“Our thanks to Barnet Council’s Adopt a Place scheme and the Greenspaces team. It’s a little gem (no lettuce pun intended) in New Barnet.”
The garden has already increased opportunities for local people to get involved, with its prominent location in Victoria Recreation Ground attracting interest from park users and passers-by. Organisers hope to build on this success, with plans for a formal opening as part of East Barnet Valley Bowls Club’s centenary celebrations in 2027.
