Since 2005, Rob and Christine Burn have cared for the garden at St Monica’s Hospital, our local community hospital on Long Street. They say they consider it to be part of their own garden and take great pride in keeping it looking so beautiful. It is enjoyed by patients, visitors and staff alike and is a peaceful place which is often a place of retreat which is so needed when loved ones are in hospital, especially if near end of life. Visitors always say how wonderful the gardens look and what comfort they can
bring.
The Burns not only keep the grass neat, clear the leaves in autumn and fill the planters with fantastic displays but have fitted bird, insect and even hedgehog boxes. It is a haven for wildlife.
FOSMH trustees with Rob and Christine Burn enjoying the new bench!
Rob and Christine wanted to mark over 20 years of their involvement with our wonderful community hospital so the Trustees of the Friends of St Monica’s Hospital (FOSMH) worked with them and together bought a beautiful new bench to place in the garden. To mark the occasion, Trustees also presented a plaque for the bench and hosted a thank you event with coffee and cakes on Thursday 16 July 2026. A hanging basket for their own garden was presented to Rob and Christine to mark our appreciation for all their efforts over so many years.
New Chair, Jane Wintermeyer presents Rob and Christine Burn with a hanging basket
Flower planters in the hospital garden
The garden is a place of retreat for patients, visitors and staff
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