Open gardens and thunderous skies are not perhaps the best mix.
Spike Milligan said in his poem:
There are holes in the sky where the rain gets in
But they’re ever so small, that’s why rain is thin.
But the rain wasn’t thin, it came gushing down on Sunday, June 18 at Winchelsea but this didn’t dampen the spirits of the people who came to support Rye, Winchelsea and District Memorial Hospital.
The New Hall was full of the most delicious-looking cakes and warm tea was available when people called in after their visits to the gardens. Everyone seemed to be in good spirits and there was of course the need to show off some very sporty and large umbrellas.
There were things that every garden had in common, the intense pleasure the owners had in their creations and the jolly, warm welcome they gave to their visitors. There was lots of laughter and deep conversations about the plants and borders and everyone went away feeling that they should get home and make more effort on their own patch, once the rain had abated.
The hospital was able to confirm that they raised over a £1,000 and wish to thank everyone who braved the truly traditional English weather and all those who helped and made it such a success.
Image Credits: Kt bruce .
Good to see that the Memorial Hospital did so well in spite of the weather. The main Winchelsea garden opening happened the day before when the town mobilised to welcome upwards of 800 visitors and raised just short of £7,000 for the National Garden Scheme which supports nursing and cancer support charities. By long tradition the gardeners then open their gardens again the following afternoon for a local charity, which in recent years has been the Memorial Hospital. Great photos from Kt, as always!
We had some friends that drove down from Clavering, for the day, just for the gardens. Such is the reputation.