Derby's Heritage Part 03 - Cathedral Centre
w/e 28 March 2010
All this week's pictures were taken
with a Kodak DX6490
Our walk so far has only taken us a little way from
the Market Place along Irongate and although this third part
adds little in terms of distance travelled it does include the
journey of a lifetime.
All the images were captured at the Derby Cathedral Centre which
was opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in November 2003.
The Centre offers facilities to stage small business meetings
and events.
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The Centre also houses a gift and coffee shop. In the basement,
seen here through the railings around the spiral staircase, exhibitions
are held showing treasures from Derby Cathedral and the surrounding
parishes but it is the Irene Ackers Garden behind the Centre,
glimpsed through the window, that is the focus of our attention.
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An information board on the rear wall of the Centre describes
the garden as a "Journey of Faith" following the life
of Jesus from birth to resurrection. The first to be seen on
entering the garden is an oak framed mosaic depicting the Nativity.
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A path winds through the garden and links different areas that
are reminders of the life and ministry of Jesus. For example
this particular area with the fishing nets and gravel "beach"
is referred to as "The Calling" and aims to represent
the calling of the disciples.
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As winter melds into spring, it is probably not the time of year
to see the plant life in the garden at its best but different
species and arrangements are used to tell the story. Seating
is provided throughout for contemplation, meditation and prayer
and it is hard to believe the peace and tranquillity herein knowing
the hustle and bustle of a city centre is just a few steps away.
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The garden is not large by any means but the plants here on the
left are representative of those used by Jesus as a teacher in
the parables and include ornamental grasses and a fig tree. Opposite
on the right are medicinal plants mentioned in the Bible such
as Rue, Jerusalem Sage and Cistus. These represent Jesus The
Healer.
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At the far end of the garden a simple wooden cross obviously
reminds us of the crucifixion whilst the font signifies the resurrection
and the water of life. Planting in this area too includes plants
of both passion such as the Judas Tree and resurrection typified
by species with golden leaves or flowers. Daffodils and primroses
are often blooming at Easter.
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 There is plenty to inspire you within
this quiet spot but if you're in need of more inspiration you
only have to turn back towards the building and glance upwards
to see the tower of Derby Cathedral itself and the Cathedral
will be the subject of the next part of this Heritage Walk.
For more information about the Irene Ackers Garden, click on
the small image on the right to see an enlargement of the information
board from which much of the detail on this page has been derived.
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