A formerly homeless man was recognised for his tireless work at a peace garden, during the monthly meeting of the Watford Interfaith Association (WIFA).
The WIFA Peace Gathering for Reflection and Prayer took place on Sunday and opened with a welcome from Yogesh Joshi and customary prayers and reflections, as well as a short meditation experience led by Yogesh.
It was in the second half of the meeting, devoted to recognising the efforts of the volunteers for WIFA's Peace Garden in Cassiobury Park, that formerly homeless resident of New Hope Trust Sanctuary, James, was acknowledged.
James was presented with a plant and a certificate for his contributions to the garden.
As well as joining the regular Wednesday volunteer teams, he has often visited the garden on his own - several times per week - to tend to it.
He said that coming to the Peace Garden helped him find friendship and support to rebuild his life in his newly found home.
The plant was presented to help James brighten up his home.
Adam Ginder, deputy lieutenant within the Lieutenancy of Hertfordshire, visited the garden for the first time and was welcomed by councillor Rabi Martins.
Mr Ginder thanked the volunteers and praised the standard of their work, and committed to becoming a follower of the Watford Peace Garden Facebook page.
He also acknowledged three men who are being supported by Emerging Futures, a rehab organisation.
Wanting to give back to the community, the men, Paul Flynn, Paul Howe, and Tony Higby, cut the grass, rake the leaves, clean the pond, and do other jobs every week.
Regular volunteers were also presented with cards of thanks for all their hard work at the meeting.
Mr Martins said: "The impact the Peace Garden appears to be having on James, the two Pauls, and Tony shows that this Peace Garden can truly change lives.
"Volunteers cannot ask for any greater reward than that."
Jeffrey Bateman, Peace Garden team leader, spoke about how the garden was a jungle of brambles and oak saplings when WIFA was first given the land.
An appeal for help went out and Muslims, old men, young men, and children all responded to the call, working to cut some of the growth back.
Mr Bateman said that the garden would be for everyone, and reiterated what others had said: that "peace begins within me."
Deputy mayor Councillor Aga Dychton spoke about the Watford community and thanked contributors for their work in the garden.
A party then took place, with refreshments and conversation.
A video of the meeting can be viewed on the WIFA website at www.wifa.org.uk
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