Success sealed with ‘a kiss’ on Skegness ‘beach’ at state garden show in German twin town

City Mayor of Bad Gandersheim Franziska Schwar and Mayor of Skegness Coun Tony Tye cutting the ribbon of the beach garden.

This summer one million visitors are expected to explore the garden – one of many unveiled on Friday at the edge of Roswithapark in Skegness’ twin town of Bad Gandersheim.

Mayor of Skegness Coun Tony Tye joined its designer, Skegness honoured citizen and artist/photographer John Byford, in Germany last week to officially cut the ribbon with the City Mayor of Bad Gandersheim Franziska Schwarz.

The 185-day event has been likened to the Chelsea Flower Show – and Skegness’ involvement has been an ‘honour’ by Mr Byford and Coun Tye, who is also a member of the Skegness Twinning Association.

John Byford at the entrance to the beach garden at the State Garden Show in Bad Gandersheim. Photo: Kay Weseloh.

John, whose original art creation The Box – an English telephone box currently promoting the garden show – is already an attraction in the centre of Bad Gandersheim says he has been overwhelmed by the care taken by a 17-strong team from Skegness and Bad Gandersheim to promote our natural coast.

"You won’t find ‘kiss me quick’ hats here,” explained John. “There is so much more to Skegness than donkeys, arcades, fun fairs and ice-cream.

"I wanted to show off the stunning coastline because to me it is beautiful – and the resort’s calmer side.

”The ultimate aim of the project is that the garden offers visitors to the show a glimpse of what Skegness has to offer, strengthening our friendship that has now been in existence since 1979 whilst enticing new visitors to the resort, "

Ingrid Lohmann, Deputy Mayor, on the 'Jolly' bench wearing her matching jacket.

Tonnes of sand were brought in to lay the foundation of the garden with a renovated 100-year-old ‘Jolly’ bench from Skegness Pier the centrepiece.

The garden is surrounded with beach hedging which is just coming into leaf and also features a display of John’s artwork showing the coastline in all its glory.

"It’s already proving a popular attraction,” said John. “I spotted a couple kissing on the bench just after we opened and I thought this is exactly what I was aiming for – somewhere where you can unwind and, in the summer, kick off your shoes and feel the sand between your toes.”

The Mayor of Skegness received a personal invite from Franziska Schwarz to attend the grand opening.

The bench is becoming a favourite of the show - for couples.

Coun Tye said: “As Mayor of Skegness, it was such an honour to be invited to our twin town of Bad Gandersheim.

"I’ve been meaning to visit for some time now, and to visit during the state garden show makes my trip even more special.

"I’m very impressed! I’d like to thank the garden show team for making this wonderful project happen, and to our honoured citizen John Byford for his constant hard work in promoting both our towns. I shall definitely be returning.”

The British Week, which takes place from August 25 - 31. Amongst the visitors from our town already planning to go are Skegness Silver Band, who have accepted an invitation to perform in the garden and will play daily for the visitors.

After the garden show, the historic bench it will find a permanent location opposite The Box in Bad Gandersheim.