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The Sherford community has cause to celebrate, with its first ever resident marking their fifth anniversary of moving to the new town as its founding member. A day of commemorative activities took place to celebrate the growing community, the groups that have formed, and to mark its past, present and future.
A tree planting ceremony was held, with Councillor Dan Brown – Ward Councillor for Wembury and Brixton – officiating alongside South Hams District Council’s Green Infrastructure Officer. Scots Pine trees were planted during the event in Sherford’s Country Park; an area that will eventually span a colossal 500-acres of open green space.
Chris Taylor – Sherford’s first resident – planted a tree, with a plaque dedicated to him having ‘put down roots’ in the town five years ago. These were gifted by the Sherford Consortium, the developers responsible for Sherford – a partnership between Taylor Wimpey and Vistry Partnerships, which includes Linden Homes and Bovis Homes.
Chris represented Sherford’s ‘present’ day contingent, and was joined by his son and granddaughter, who have also moved to Sherford since his arrival there. Representing Sherford’s ‘past’ was a member of the wider local community, John Carter – an Elburton native and respected member of the local business community – who also planted a tree in the park. To signify the ‘future’, children were invited to scatter seeds to sow the beginnings of wildflower meadows.
Chris Taylor, Sherford’s first resident.
The celebration was run by some of Sherford’s active social groups, including the Community Church, Over 50s club, and Friends of Sherford Country Park. The Friends group is RHS affiliated and includes 25 households from within the old and new parts of the community – Sherford, Elburton, and the surrounding area. It undertakes projects within the expansive public green space, enables members to mix and enjoy the great outdoors, and encourages everyone to work together for the common good.
The Friends of Sherford Country Park group marked Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee year by planting a further seven trees – one for each decade on the throne – as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative, which is running across the country to increase native tree cover as a ‘special gift’ for the Queen. These trees were funded by the Sherford Community Trust, an independent group that supports the social and economic development of Sherford, including through community grant funding.
Community celebrations took place throughout the day, including an open day at Sherford’s Community Hub, offering a chance to find out more about the various groups and activities on offer at Sherford, socialise over refreshments, and – in keeping with the theme of the day – the opportunity to peruse a plant sale!
Jenna Waters, Sales Director for Vistry Partnerships, part of the Sherford Consortium, said: “Chris established the community at Sherford; moving in back in 2017 and seeing so many new faces join him since – including his own family. The symbol of a fifth anniversary is wood, symbolic of trees putting down roots, and so it felt only fitting to ask Chris to plant his own tree within the parkland he loves.
John Carter plants a tree in the COuntry Park
“It’s a good opportunity to reflect on what a milestone five years is, how much Sherford has grown, and what incredible community spirit it has. It’s a unique and special place, with a warm and welcoming community, and no shortage of things to do and get involved in. This celebration embodies all of this, and we can’t wait for an even bigger party in another five years!”
Cllr Judy Pearce, Leader of South Hams District Council, said: “Sherford is a special place, which is thriving and going from strength to strength. With the current housing crisis in the region, it is satisfying to see that within five years of the town, we have provided 188 affordable homes to local people on local incomes. Homes including, lower than market value rents, shared ownership, or reduced market sales. There have been a further 565 of these types of homes provided across the South Hams with another 380 in the pipeline.”
Cllr Dan Brown, South Hams District Council’s Ward Member for Wembury and Brixton, said: “It was a pleasure to attend the tree planting at Sherford Community Park, and, along with some local residents, plant a Scots Pine to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years on the throne.”
