Getting closer to God in tranquil places

The quiet garden movement was launched in 1992 to provide peace and tranquillity in a wide variety of private settings.

You don't have to have a reason to visit; you may just feel the need for a few hours of peace. Everyone's wishes are respected and all are welcome regardless of faith or creed, or none. If
you find church rather daunting, you may feel more at ease in a quiet garden.Each quiet garden is different, but each will offer the opportunity for silence, prayer, stillness or reflection.

Chelmsford Diocese plays host to seven approved quiet gardens which can be visited by appointment this summer.

Goosebury Hall Quiet Garden, Epping Long Green
Three acres of gardens, open by arrangement to individuals and groups for quiet reflection.
Admission is free. Refreshments available (donations please).
● To arrange a visit, call Michael Chapman on 01992 575451

Butler Cottage and Garden, Southminster
Butler Cottage quiet garden is open on first Monday of each month, and other times by telephone appointment. The garden has a selfcontained mobile home, which is open for people to have quiet time on their own if they need it. Refreshments supplied.
● Contact Bob and Viv Perry on 01621 773813

Bowling Green, Great Dunmow
The Bowling Green, with its garden of three quarters of an acre, was an inn in the 18th century. It overlooks and leads onto the Doctor's pond and is only a few minutes walk from the centre of the market town of Great Dunmow. The garden has a garden room and a small chapel for prayer and reflection, reading, or simply being in the presence of God. Admission is free but donations welcome. Tea and coffee can be made by visitors. Open Tuesdays and Wednesdays by appointment only.
● To arrange a visit, call Rosemary Drew on 01371 872662

Home Wood, Tiltey
Home Wood is in the hamlet of Tilty between Dunmow and Thaxted. Tilty Abbey was a Cistercian abbey dissolved by Henry VIII, and Home Wood is what remains of the ancient woodland that was part of the Abbey's grounds. One border of the wood is the site of the Abbey buildings and another is the wood bank, or ditch that marks the ancient boundary. Not surprisingly it is a very evocative wood and with only a little bit of imagination it is easy to picture the monks working in the woods.

At 15 acres, there is plenty of space for small groups to use for meditation and reflection; it has
been popular with artists who find inspiration in it, and with those who enjoy God's creation. If you time your visit right the woodland floor is carpeted with English bluebells
(see cover picture). There is no shelter at Home Wood but a camping toilet can be provided and hot drinks and cooking on the camp fire are possible as well.

However, it is an ancient wood and visitors must be able-bodied to make full use of the site.
● Individuals or groups wanting to organise a trip should contact the owner Michael Womack on 01223 8979446 or mjwomack@tiscali.co.uk

Quiet Garden at Abbotsford, Chelmsford
Abbotsford has a secluded urban cottage garden with adjacent self-contained quiet room. The gardens are open on the second Tuesday of every month (other weekdays and Saturdays by
arrangement). The quiet room is available at anytime of the year.

Individuals and groups are welcome to spend a time of peace and quiet reflection here - whatever
faith or denomination or of none. Admission is free, refreshments are available on request and
contributions towards running expenses welcomed.
● To arrange a visit, call Elizabeth Poole on 01245 354603

Quiet Garden, Witham
The Quiet Garden in Witham is a small cottage style garden on the edge of town,
yet surrounded by other homes. It is completely enclosed and private, protected by fences covered in greenery. It has been designed and planted to be of interest every week of the year, even in winter.

Colour and scents fill the air, re-awakening your senses, water splashes from the fountain, chimes
trickle in the breeze, whilst a small but productive fruit garden provides 26 different fruit plants. There are seats around the garden - some in shade, others in sun, and you are welcome to stay as long as you like.

Light refreshments are available. There is wheelchair access and a disabled toilet.
● Admission is available every Tuesday from 10am-5pm (at other times by arrangement). Call Val and Reg Carpenter on 01376 511341.

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