What started as a way to keep children entertained during the first lockdown has grown wings and led to the creation of a fairy garden in New Mills and a series of books.
To the delight of children and parents, author Michael Ross created a fairy garden, complete with water features in the grass verge opposite his home during the first lockdown.
An anonymous complaint to Derbyshire County Council led to him having to remove the garden as, even if he managed to get a cultivation licence, it wouldn’t allow him to keep the fairy themed items that were on display.
Even an illustrated letter from a youngster named Eliza didn't help the cause.
“By then I had a lot of people supporting me and decided to rebuild it bigger and better in my front garden,” explained Michael.
Some of the fairies on display have been donated for the project and have been sent from various locations including as far away as Tasmania and New Zealand.
The completion of the garden at 72 High Lea Road was celebrated with an official opening by a little girl named Lily.
But the garden is only the beginning.
The fairy garden at night
“When I decided to start building it in my garden, I wanted to write a book about the garden called My Fairy Garden.
“I invited local children to draw me a fairy and colour it and I’d put it in my book together with original fairy stories.”
Thanks to word of mouth and the creation of a Facebook group, lots of fairies flew into New Mills to be included in the first book.
“When everything was printed I had people asking if they had missed the deadline, so I have a second book which is about to go to print and already started the third.”
Now Michael is encouraging children in primary schools across Derbyshire and Stockport to get involved.
He hopes the fact that the children can see their work included in a book will help nurture a love of books and reading.
The book cover
“I am currently appealing to all children everywhere to draw a fairy for me to go into the latest book.
“I have all the information on how to submit the fairies and any other information I need, someone only needs to contact me.”
To find out more or to get involved, email thewandchronicles@gmail.com or contact by text: 0781 057 6303.
Book 1 is currently available direct from Michael priced at £7 plus P&P.
The Facebook group is called My Fairy Garden: https://www.facebook.com/groups/885107478716563
Inside the fairy palace
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