Sensory garden tribute to founder of Northampton jewellers

Mr Jones, who founded Michael Jones Jewellers in Northampton, died peacefully at Northampton General Hospital surrounded by his family on Sunday.

The Chronicle & Echo published a full tribute to him earlier this week.

Following the publication of the obituary, the secretary of the Friends, Anne Stevens, who is also the chairwoman of Abington Park Management Committee, revealed that the group would be making its own, special tribute to Mr Jones.

"It was pleasing to read the touching and fitting tribute to Michael Jones in your last edition," Mrs Stevens said.

"As well as the major achievements recounted in the article, Michael, together with his wife, Anne, have always been enthusiastic and generous supporters of local and community projects. Michael was always guided by what was best for the whole community.

"He was proud to have lived his life in and around Abington and he had long been a supporter of Abington Park and Museum – or the Manor House, as he preferred to call it. He was working until the end to try to secure the best future for this wonderful local asset," she added.

"Both Michael and Anne have worked over many years in support of improvements in the park, especially through the Friends of Abington Park.

"To mark this contribution, Friends decided unanimously at their recent meeting to dedicate a proposed new entrance arch in the redesigned sensory garden to Michael.

"We trust that this is a fitting tribute in appreciation of a local figure who will be much missed by us all," Mrs Stevens added.

The garden will be formally opened by Mayor Christopher Malpass on April 30.