Greenhill Gardens Magical Fairy Wishing Well reopened

As previously reported, volunteers at Weymouth Rotary Club were left disheartened after the newly restored well was vandalised by what was believed to be a hammer or another heavy tool in Greenhill Gardens back in April.

Volunteers of Weymouth Rotary Club celebrating the re-opened (Image: Jerry Way)

Damage was estimated to be hundreds of pounds after the brickwork to the well was smashed. The club was in the process of renovating the well to give it a new look and make it an attraction after an idea from one of its member’s nine-year-old granddaughters, Islay Dickinson Way.

Members of the Rotary Club and friends were joined by mayor of Weymouth Mayor, Cllr Jon Orrell, as well as Islay, for the re-opening ceremony of the wishing well- which has been redesigned as the Greenhill Gardens Magical Fairy Wishing Well.

Mayor of Weymouth Cllr Jon Orrell and nine-year-old Islay Dickinson-Way (Image: Jerry Way) At the ceremony Islay thanked the club for bringing her ideas to reality, whilst the mayor told the onlookers how proud he was that the team could overcome previous setbacks to produce a place that everyone could enjoy. They then cut the ceremonial ribbon together.

Islay’s granddad, Jerry Way, has been one of many volunteers at the Rotary Club who have rebuilding the well since it was damaged.

Jerry Way and granddaughter Islay Dickinson-Way (Image: Jerry Way)

He said: “It was a really nice day and such a happy occasion. Islay came down from Lincoln and it was a fantastic. It was great to see the mayor make an effort to attend and he was so nice with Islay. We’re all very grateful for his support.

“Everyone has reacted to the well so positively. We have had chalet users tell us that the well has created a buzz and changed the whole place and there is always people around now.”

The repair job was not easy according to Mr Way due to the wet weather. He said: “The weather has been awful so we kept rearranging dates to complete the work.”

This was not the first time that the wishing well has had to be repaired after it was vandalised. In 2018, the well was damaged when it was in the care of the Melcombe Regis Rotary Club, and Mr Way hinted that there may be some security added to the site in the future. He said: “We’ve aimed high to make it nice and continued with the plan. We are not going to be put off by incidents.

“We have been looking into security options around the site as a deterrent for future would-be vandals.”

Tim Spooner, chair of trustees for the Friends of Greenhill Gardens, said: “The friends have always welcomed the wishing well in Greenhill, and we are so glad to see it repaired and looking attractive.”