There cannot be many communities, as compact as St Neot, that would take on a task of converting a land and river-locked field into a public garden and performance area. That is exactly what the folk of our village have done, however.

The land, which is located in the centre of the village, was donated to the village by the late Jack Olliver for community use but was surrounded on three sides by a private house and a school and on the other by the river. St Neoters saw no problem with this, however, and, with the help of a grant of £60,000 from the Countryside Agency’s Doorstep Green initiative, have created an amazing garden with a stone stepped amphitheatre, meandering paths, grassed and planted areas, riverside boardwalk, shelter and picnic and bar-b-q areas. Access is via a beautiful new arched timber bridge over the river linking the green to the playing field.

Over 2000 volunteer hours went into working on the project with over 1,600 trees and shrubs being planted by our willing band of helpers. The amphitheatre was built in just ten working days, mostly at weekends, with some 40 different workers lending a hand. It is also guesstimated that in the region of 300 pasties were polished off during the lunch breaks. All the efforts culminated in a gala opening concert staged on a clam shell stage performing to a full house in the amphitheatre. Absolutely amazing.

Having completed our Doorstep Green, we now want to share it with all visitors to St Neot. So, come and look at, and enjoy one of the features which made St Neot Village of the Year.