AINSDALE St John’s Church has opened a living legacy to Elsie Dot Stancombe in Ainsdale in Southport.

Named ‘Elsie’s place at St John’s’, the garden is located adjacent to Ainsdale St John’s Church – a place that held deep significance for Elsie who attended the nursery which uses its church hall.

Opened on:- Saturday, 29 August 2026, by The Rt Revd Ruth Worsley, Interim Bishop of Liverpool, and blessed by the Rt Revd Ruth Worsley, Interim Bishop of Liverpool, the garden has been lovingly regenerated as a lasting tribute, rooted in love, peace, remembrance and the enduring strength of the community.

Designed as a peaceful space, the garden will provide a private space where Elsie’s friends and family can reflect and remember her. It will also be open to the wider community on special occasions, as well as being utilised by the church, school, nursery, guiding groups and the local community, allowing others to pay their respects and share in her memory.

The transformation of ‘’Elsie’s place at St John’s’ has been made possible through an inspiring community effort. 

For more than 30 years, the church garden had been a barren, unusable space, impacted by antisocial behaviour and in need of regeneration.

Work to transform the site began at the end of March 2025, with individuals from Community Payback dedicating their time each week to clearing and preparing the land. The project gathered momentum when Eurogold – a civil engineering and groundworks contractor based in Huyton – generously donated the groundworks, pathways and garden wall, helping to turn the vision for Elsie’s place at St John’s’ into a reality.

From there, local businesses, organisations and residents came together to donate materials, expertise and funding. Contributions included soil, turf, plants, a secure gate, bespoke signage, seating, play equipment, engraved plaques and even a wildflower area.

The garden also includes a community vegetable patch. Fresh produce grown in the garden will be sold through the church and within the village, with all proceeds donated to Compassion Acts to support the local  food bank. 

Additionally, Natterjack’s Nursery has donated a beautifully crafted memorial bench in Elsie’s honour.

Thanks to the generosity of supporters including Webster’s Turf, B&Q Kew, Lady Green Garden Centre, Tesco Kew, Webster’s World of Plants, Ainsdale DIY, Steel Empire, Abbott Wade Staircases, Ainsdale ward councillors, Crosby Memorials and many others, a neglected space has been transformed into a beautiful and lasting place of remembrance.

Created through the generosity of local businesses, organisations and volunteers, ‘Elsie’s Place at St John’s’ will stand as a lasting tribute to Elsie’s life and the kindness of a community united in her memory.

Reverend Jackie Vasquez, Vicar at Ainsdale St John’s Church, said:- “Elsie’s place at St John’s’ is a place of love, hope and remembrance. It has been created not only to honour Elsie’s life, but also a reflection of the extraordinary kindness and generosity shown by our community. We pray that it will be a peaceful sanctuary where Elsie’s family and friends can remember her and where, on special occasions, others can come together to reflect and celebrate her life.”

The Rt Revd Ruth Worsley, Interim Bishop of Liverpool, said:-“Elsie’s place at St John’s’ is a beautiful expression of love overcoming loss. It stands as a lasting tribute to Elsie’s life and reflects the compassion and resilience of the Southport community. I pray that this garden will be a place of peace and comfort for Elsie’s family and loved ones, and a reminder that even in the darkest times, love can prosper.”

Sefton Central MP Bill Esterson said:- “Ainsdale’s own secret garden was formally opened and blessed by the Bishop of Liverpool. Elsie’s Place at St John’s Church is a beautiful garden in memory of Elsie Dot Stancombe. Elsie attended the nursery at St John’s. The garden is on the other side of Liverpool Road from the church and through an alleyway so you wouldn’t know it was there."

Bill continued:- “It’s been beautifully restored from an overgrown tip by a combination of Merseyside Probation Service / Community Payback, businesses, the church and local volunteers. Bishop of Liverpool, Rt Ruth Worsley, opened the garden in front of a large contingent of St John’s Church parishioners and other residents. Bishop Ruth said it reminded her of the story of the Secret Garden. Thank you to Vicar, Revd Jackie Vasquez for your kind invitation to this wonderful event.”