On Sunday 18^th July, the crowds descended on Stowey to see the gardens at Dormers, Stowey Mead, Vicarage Cottage and Manor Farm. 400 people came to enjoy an afternoon in these beautiful gardens, which were looking magnificent, reflecting the many hours of hard work undertaken by the owners and various helpers. We had a wide range of plants for sale at Dormers and Janet, David and Lydia were kept very busy selling them. At Stowey Mead, Elaine, Sue and Peter were constantly on the go selling home-made cakes and other goodies. At Vicarage Cottage, the ice cream stall, generously donated and manned by New Manor Farm Shop, was exceptionally busy. And at Manor Farm, the drinks stall, organised by the School PTA and the Pre-School Committee, did a roaring trade. And once again we needed our “overflow” car park, so our brilliant car parking stewards were kept fully occupied controlling the traffic.

It was an extremely hot afternoon, but we still had an exceptionally good attendance. Thanks to all of you who came from our local villages. Although we had visitors from far and wide, it was good to see more people who live locally.

Enormous thanks are due to everyone who helped to make the afternoon such a success, including garden owners, the teams selling cakes etc. and ice creams, those who baked the wonderful array of cakes, scones and other items, the plant sales team, the car park stewards and all who assisted in other ways. Thank you; we couldn’t do it without you!

Figures are provisional, but we have raised around £1644 for the National Garden Scheme, (for distribution to health and caring charities); and over £1360 for Stowey Church, a fantastic result.

Next year’s opening will be decided soon and, if you missed it this year, make sure you come next time to enjoy a fabulous afternoon of pure indulgence!

Graham and Jill Nicol