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‘Where nice things happen!’

What is the Garden Quarter?
It is the name given to the area of Chester encircled by Parkgate Road, Cheyney Road, Stadium Way, Sealand Road and the City Walls, with Garden Lane and Old Port Square as its commercial hearts. An area of tightly knit terraced streets and alleyways, the canal basin, parks and playgrounds, new city housing developments, small gardens, back yards and allotments. The area is populated with an eclectic mix of people; families, professionals, students from the neighbouring University, bed-sitters and people of all ages living in communal housing.

Why the Garden Quarter?
Just over two years ago, a small group of locals decided it was time to create a voice for this area of the city. Whilst already having unparalleled community spirit (the Cambrian Community at the heart of the area had already organised many fantastic street events) and a wealth of people with vision and ideas, the neighbourhood seemed to lack a strong identity that such an area deserved. The first thing to do was create a name. Historians tell us that Garden Lane was once a Roman thoroughfare surrounded by orchards, leading northwards out of the city; hence the name.

The Garden Quarter Association was then set up, whose main aim was to create a better place for all who lived here. The association, open to all, consists of local residents, traders, students, publicans, councillors and even vicars!

So what have we done?
In the short space of 2 years many projects and activities have already taken place; street parties, street concerts, local band nights, choir concerts, sports days, the creation of the Peace Garden, successful projects of environmental protection, the initiation of a community policing scheme and much more.

Links between the University, our two local schools, our churches, residential homes, shops, pubs and residents have never been better. There has even been a new theatre company ‘Theatre in the Quarter’ established, whose first three productions ‘Some Sunny Day’, ‘Sweet Sixteen’ and ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ based on real local stories, have all been a sell out. So successful were some of these events, The Garden Quarter featured twice in Cheshire Life last year!

What is in store?
Watch out this year for another Garden Quarter Sports Tournament on Sunday May 6; The Bouverie officially open their garden with all day barbecue on Saturday 5 May from 2pm. Prepare yourself for a well illuminated Christmas 2007, with more sparkle, street performances and another theatre piece from resident theatre company Theatre in the Quarter.

The Association are busily putting together a large application to Heritage Lottery Fund in order to create a large-scale Victorian Festival beginning at Christmas this year (2007) and culminating in a major 5 day festival in May 2008, including concerts, gigs, street theatre, the making of a victorian film, and the publishing of a book. All local schools, the University, churches, groups and residents of all ages will have the opportunity to be involved.

Of course, the Garden Quarter Association is always very keen on new ideas, and absolutely anyone is welcome to join us at our friendly meetings.