Last Saturday 17th June, we opened our gates to our local communities, and at least 300 people visited, raising around £1300 for our Charity.
Many volunteers and staff volunteered their time to prepare for this event, and on the day, visitors strolled around the gardens, admiring the plants, (and weeds -sorry!); and the latest projects such as the roundhouse roof completion and the raised brick beds. However, due to the beautiful weather (30 degrees centigrade) many people enjoyed a delicious ice-cream, served from a ‘mobile’ ice-cream bicycle, on loan from Erddig, of the National Trust.
Ann holds a chocolate ice-cream; served by Geoff and Alison, alongside Andrew (Director), who was immaculately dressed despite the hot temperatures.
Light refreshments, served by Sheila and Peggy in the greenhouse, were enjoyed in the shade on the balcony. Photographer for the day, Kelly Ashford, took the following photos of people enjoying themselves throughout the afternoon
People were able to play badminton or take part in pond-dipping (Thanks to Cath, Pat, Yvonne and Jane who helped out). The pond creatures had all descended to the bottom of the wild-life pond due to the heat, and there was little demand for may-pole dancing this time…
Here is a picture of Kelly, who is reading one of her short stories to Gareth and Sheila. Kelly has written 16 short stories about the Erlas Walled Garden, and is happy to read some of these stories to friends and visitors alike.
Other attractions were the Gnome Hunt (thanks to Kate for helping on the day), the tombola, (thanks to Sally and Rachael); the raffle (thanks to Anna Maria and Tia); the craft stall (thanks to Sylvia and Avril); the home-made cake stall (thanks to Rosemary, Cathy and Janis), the plant-stall (thanks to Emma and Sue) and to the home grown vegetable stall (thanks to Carlton) and of course to the people who stood at the gates (Ray and Ian C) and to those who collected our entrance fees (Stan and Ian M). Libby, Pat and Ann helped on he day too, but were unable to reduce the temperatures, (even with extra gazebos and air coolers!)
Visitors included many people who had never been to the gardens before, and to friends and supporters, including Ian and Norah Lucas. Here you can see Ian, Norah, Ann, Andrew, Stan and Mike admiring the plants on Emma’s plant shop.
To finish off – a big ‘Thank you’ to all our students, volunteers, friends, and supporters who helped organise, promote and run the event. We hope you all enjoyed it. Looking forward to seeing you again in the gardens this summer too. Potatoes, French beans, lettuce, broad beans and courgettes are being cropped now, with raspberries and blackcurrants coming soon.
