Parents from Sgoil an Rubha, together with the school and the Lewis Volunteer Centre, are trying to restore the Joanne F Fotheringham memorial garden, starting with an open/volunteering day.

They hope this will develop into a long-term community project where the garden is used and enjoyed by the school, community groups and the public.

They are holding a Garden Open Day on Saturday October 23rd between 10am and 4pm.

Readers with links to the old Bayble School will recall the young teacher Joanne Fotheringham, who tragically passed away in 1997 with an undiagnosed heart defect.

Joanne, originally from Ullapool, was much-loved by pupils and staff alike, and as well as raising money for island-wide heart screening for teenagers at the time, the school designed and built a memorial garden with help from the community. 

After the old school was demolished, sadly the garden fell into disuse. Today, although it sits right on the road in front of the new school grounds, many people are unaware that it exists.  

However, with Spring 2022 marking the 25th anniversary of Joanne’s death, the group is planning to change that, first by getting the existing garden looking lovely in time for the anniversary, and then by coming up with some new ideas to make a space which everyone in the community can use, contribute to and enjoy going forward. 

On the Open Day, everyone is invited to drop by and have a look at the garden, have a chat about the plans, and do a bit of weeding and pruning if you like (feel free to take cuttings!). You can also see if you would like to get involved in the project going forward. You don’t need to have lots of time to give, or be a master gardener, we would be glad to have you involved. 

Just stop by on the day, or if you’d like more information, contact Marianne on 870201 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Bellann at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.