BLOOMING lovely sunshine last Sunday (June 23) brought out more than 500 people to Alcester for the 32nd annual Garden Walkabout.
The event, which began in 1992, was organised by the Alcester and District Friends of Cancer Research UK and raised in the region of £4,000 for the world’s largest independent cancer research charity.
Picture by Lise Evans. Copyright Bullivant Media Group Ltd.
Visitors got a unique opportunity to explore 20 private gardens in and around Alcester’s historic town centre, sample a cream tea on the lawns of the Baptist Church and buy plants donated by local nurseries.
The thirsty explorers enjoyed cake and a cuppa whilst being entertained by the keyboard talents of local composer John Evans.
Participating properties included a modern home with a charming Japanese-themed courtyard of Bonsai trees and a traditional Georgian townhouse featuring a traditional English walled garden full of roses that ran down to the banks of the River Arrow.
Picture by Lise Evans. Copyright Bullivant Media Group Ltd.
Organiser and event founder Sue Blackburn, said: “Everything worked like clockwork really, the volunteers all turned up, the sun shone which is what we were hoping for and lots of people came.
“Everyone told me they were impressed with the gardens so we were very pleased.
Sue told the Standard that some of the visitors to the event have been coming for more than 30 years and added “and they all keep wanting to come again.”
Picture by Lise Evans. Copyright Bullivant Media Group Ltd.
The tally from year’s ticket sales brings the total sum of fundraising over the years to more than £85,000.
