The completion of work to restore and refurbish the Minchenden Oak Garden was celebrated on Sunday when the Bishop of London presided at a Redication Ceremony.
The Bishop of London and Rev. Hazel Miall listen to the Children's Voices of Enfield under the boughs of the Minchenden OakOver a hundred people attended the ceremony, at which the Rt Revd & Rt Hon.Richard Chartres KCVO DD FSA rededicated and blessed the garden. An oak sapling grown from a Minchenden acorn was planted by the Representative Deputy Lieutenant of Enfield, Mrs Ann Cable MBE Dl, and Her Worship the Deputy Mayor of Enfield, Cllr Bernadette Lappage.
Music was provided by the Children's Voices of Enfield. Members of the children's choir and of 6th Enfield Cub Scouts scattered wildflower seeds below the trees as part of the replanting works.
The garden, in Waterfall Road and adjacent to Christ Church Southgate Green, has as its focus the 800-year-old Minchenden Oak, a remnant of the oak woods that formerly covered the area. The Oak's future was secured in 2013 when judicious tree surgery work was carried out. Timber from some of the branches that were removed at that time has been used in the refurbishment of the Garden.
Refurbishment of the Garden has been carried out by the Friends of the Minchenden Oak Garden in conjunction with Enfield Council and has restored it to its original status as a tranquil green garden for contemplation and remembrance.
The works in the garden have been funded from the Enfield Residents Priority Fund and include a new paved ramped access, relaid pathways, a restored gateway entrance, new boundary fencing, new oak seating, new history and information lecterns and new underplanting.
The Garden formed part of the ancient Minchenden Estate, which was owned by the Duke of Chandos. The rededication ceremony was held on the day that Christ Church celebrated the 400th anniversary of the Weld Chapel, the forerunner of the current Victorian church.
The sapling, grown from a Minchenden acorn 
The Bishop and Rev. Miall with local cub scouts
Information and photographs supplied by Chris Horner, Chairman of the Southgate Green Association and Secretary of the Friends of the Minchenden Oak Gardenhenden Oak Garden.
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