Joy Slide Orchard for St James’s

St James’s Church is welcoming a new children’s orchard created for the centenary. This will complement the new children’s joy slide in their churchyard.

The orchard planting is a collaboration between Trees for Bermondsey, Fruity Walks and the council.

This churchyard is where Arthur Carr’s famous children’s joy slide used to be from 1921 to the 1980s. In 2021 the new joy slide was opened, designed by Arthur’s descendent, Fergus Carr.

There were already several fruit trees near the children’s playground. The new planting will create an orchard of unusual specimens: persimmon, pepper tree, medlar and quince. A black mulberry will greet visitors at the entrance to the churchyard.