The popular Freshwater Bay Open Gardens event is set to return on Sunday (1st June), with 11 local gardens opening their gates to raise funds for dementia support in West Wight.
Organised by the Freshwater Bay Residents’ Association (FBRA), the event will run from 10:00 to 17:00 and offers visitors the chance to explore a wide variety of private gardens for a minimum donation of £5 per adult. Entry is free for children and all donations must be made in cash on the day.
All proceeds will go to the West Wight Dementia Friendly Choir and the West Wight Dementia Carers Group, supporting people living with dementia and their families.
Neil Aplin, chairman of FBRA, will be opening his garden alongside his wife Karen. He has said:
“This has always been an incredibly popular event and really brings the close community of Freshwater Bay together.
“We were keen to hold it again as not only is it a fun day, it helps raise money for worthy causes. Last time we held the event we were able to share over £1,000 between 2 other local charities – this time we’re hoping for more!”
The gardens featured in the event vary in size and style, from intimate courtyards to large, formal designs. One garden includes an artist’s studio, while others will be offering refreshments for sale.
Allan Lockett, the main organiser of the event, has said:
“There’s been lots to do from planting to pruning and mowing and mulching ready for the big day on the 1st June. So many people have worked hard to present their space, we hope our neighbours enjoy what’s on offer.”
Visitors are encouraged to come along, gain gardening inspiration, and support two important local groups helping people affected by dementia in the West Wight community.
Should be a great day, for a great cause
I am looking forward to it.
This is wonderful, and you don’t need the National Garden Scheme to organise these events. The NGS has become a rather greedy organisation. The standard of the gardens has drastically gone down and the entry prices are getting silly. We just paid £10 each to walk round a tiny lawn with a few flowers round it. Most of my neighbours gardens are just as nice or better, just without the posh house at one end.
Any more details? Is there an address to go to, start at, or will it be obvious when arriving in Freshwater bay?