CHILDREN, parents and staff of BordonÕs Chase ChildrenÕs Centre were thrilled when the ribbon was cut to declare the centreÕs new garden open last Friday.

The garden has been a dream for many years and head of centre Doreen Steel told The Herald that the Friends of the Chase did not expect it to be finished so quickly.

ÒWork actually started in the garden during the October half term of 2001. We thought it would take about three years to complete, but we are absolutely delighted that it only took six months,Ó she said.

She said the garden would never have been possible without donations from a number of supporters. ÒThe Kings Church Trust gave us the money for the train and South West Trains donated the money for the station. Norwegian Log Cabins, who provided the wood for the actual centre, also provided the wood for a miniature log cabin in the garden.

ÒAnd the support of the parents has been great all the way through. I think they must have made hundreds of cakes for different fundraising events that we have held over the years.Ó

The opening ceremony saw around 80 guests pack into the centre next to Bordon Infant School.

Guests included Bordon and Whitehill mayor Faith Thomas, representatives from South West Trains and Norwegian Log Cabins, as well as Dr Pat Lambert and Bordon Infant School headteacher Sarah Broadbent, who Doreen Steel said were both ÒinstrumentalÓ in the setting up of the centre.

The children are so excited about the garden that even the rain cannot deter them from their play.ÒThey want me to hold an umbrella above their heads to shelter them from the rain, but come rain or shine there is no stopping them from playing in the garden,Ó said Doreen Steel.

The announcement was made at the opening ceremony that Miss Broadbent will be retiring from her post at the infant school at the end of this term.

And the children, staff and parents all said a special thank-you to her for her help and support over the years.