Gerald Dixon Community Garden

Gerald Dixon Community Garden Dedication Service

On Saturday 17th August 2024, a group of family and friends gathered together at the Barnby Dun Crematorium to take part in a Community Garden Dedication Service. The service was led by our own Local Preacher Susanna Brookes, on land that was farmed for many years by our friend and former Local Preacher Gerald Dixon.

Gerald was a member of Priory Methodist Church and a well-loved Local Preacher throughout the Circuit. Gerald sadly died last year and his service was one of the first to be held at the new Crematorium which was built close to where Gerald had lived and on his farm land. The Crematorium staff decided to create a garden for the community where people could sit and reflect and remember with peace their loved ones. It was only fitting that the garden be dedicated and named after Gerald.

It was a blustery day, but fine. Susanna (a farmer's daughter), took the service which lasted around 10 minutes remembering Gerald for all his work both in farming and within the Methodist Church. Gerald's wife Brenda then cut the ribbon opening the garden and family and friends were invited and encouraged to plant flowers in the prepared flower beds. Memories and stories were shared. Many people then returned to the building to share in refreshments and fellowship remembering our friend Gerald Dixon.