Monarch’s Mini Kingdom opens at Maws Craft Centre

Garrison Sergeant Major Andrew John (Vern) Stokes OBE MVO DL was delighted to represent His Majesty’s representative, the Lord-Lieutenenant of Shropshire at the  opening of the Monarch’s Mini Kingdom.

In his day job, as Garrison Sergeant Major of London, he is charged with the planning and delivery of ceremonial activity supporting State Occasions. He was the lead planner for His Majesty’s Coronation and alongside the Earl Marshal was very much the focal point for the delivery.

The King’s Coronation was the largest ceremonial operation in this country for over 70 years, over 10,000 members of the Armed Forces were involved. The Troops on parade stretched over 1 ¼ miles from front to end. It was a day of jubilation, spectacle, community and national identity.

As a result of the The King’s Coronation, a celebration fund was launched to honour His Majesty King Charles’s lifelong passion for theenvironment. At Maws, this inspired the vision to transform an overgrown, underused corner of the courtyard into something truly lasting and meaningful. Previously a featureless space filled with non-beneficial plants and shrubs, the area has been reimagined as a wildlife-friendly garden—a peaceful sanctuary designed to encourage biodiversity and support local ecosystems.

The successful funding application was led by Sarah Jane of House of Wild Cards, and the project has been brought to life through the dedication andeffort of the Maws resident community, who have cleared the ground,planted, and now maintain the garden. Rod Willis was responsible for making the day happen.

Maws has always been a place where creativity and community thrive. Since opening in 1883 as the world’s largest encaustic tile works, Mawsand Co. were producing over 2 million tiles per year, supplying to the British Royal Family, Alexander II – Emperor of Russia, Maharajas, Dukes, Earls,Cathedrals,  Hospitals and public buildings. Even today Maws tiles can be seenat London Underground stations.Though two-thirds of the site was demolished after its closure in 1970, Maws Craft Centre Ltd purchased and restored the surviving buildings in1988, transforming them into a vibrant hub for artists and makers. This new garden is a natural extension of that creative spirit that runs deep at Maws—a living, growing celebration of heritage, creativity andcommunity. All 3 of which were visually in abundance during The King’s Coronationcelebrations and are guiding principles of His Majesty’s philosophy during his reign.

Garrison Sergeant Major said “On Coronation day, The King urged us to do 2 things:

Volunteer and build kinder, closer communities and to create a lasting legacy to help and enrich others’ lives. Look around us and experience the garden. This Monarch’s Mini Kingdom does both.

Congratulations to all of those that have been involved in making this garden happen”.

The event was supported by a magnificent piano player, Nick Wiley and there was a fantastic line-up of creative workshops and demonstrations from some of Shropshire’s most talented artists and makers — all based at the Maws Craft Centre. 

Lucy Young – Pottery Demonstration & Have-a-Go Wheel

Earthen Holistics – A Trio of Natural Workshops, Incense Blending sessions, create Magical Pulse Point Oils and making Magical Herbal Sleep Pouches.

Loveyoumorebears – Build-a-Bear Workshop

Amanda Hillier – Nature-Inspired Art Workshop

Tim Royall – Live Stone Sculpting

House of Wild Cards – Children’s Nature Art Club

It was a wonderful day full of creativity, hands-on fun and community spirit.

Pictured above Deputy Lieutenant Vern Stokes with the organisers Sarah Jane (House of Cards) and Rod Willis (Rod Willis Fine Art) at the opening of the Monarch Mini Kingdom Garden at Maws Craft Centre, Jackfield.

Photo Credit  – Tim Royall & Rod Willis