Record-breaking year for Wisbech St Mary Open Gardens with more visitors than ever and double the usual cash raised

Wisbech St Mary Open Gardens, raised a tremendous £5,029 this year for the Alzheimer's Society - double the usual amount.

Every year the event is more popular and this year also saw record numbers attend, with over 600 visitors exploring 11 gardens in the village normally hidden from the public. People travelled far and wide especially for the day, from Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and London. The oldest visitor was 97 years old who travelled from Uxbridge, visiting local relatives and the youngest just three months old from Oakham.

The amount raised, £5,029 was a record, twice the amount of money raised on the day, in its 16 year history.

Organisers Jayne and Richard Walpole said: "Everyone had a wonderful day; the weather was perfect to enjoy the eleven gardens open. An art exhibition at the church and the local falconry with flying demonstration were also open attracting visitors..

"There were some lovely comments, including 'We had a wonderful day, we had never been before, but thoroughly enjoyed it, the owners were all so very helpful and lovely to talk to'. 'Delicious scones', 'lovely ploughman’s', 'beautiful gardens', 'will definitely be coming back next year'. 'We come every year and there’s always something new and interesting to see.'"

They added: “We are delighted with the 600 plus visitors and overwhelmed by the support with particular thanks to the eleven garden owners whose hard work was rewarded with splendid, welcoming gardens. We were very pleased to include new gardens this year, including the school garden created by six and seven years olds. We would also like to thank all the helpers and visitors.”

'Ask an Expert’ run by a team of horticultural specialists at Tulsa House gardens brought lots of interesting questions and plants to be identified.

Nature quizzes kept adults and children busy, whilst others sat relaxing in gardens enjoying delicious homemade refreshments and live music from the Peterborough Flute Choir.

The gardeners are already planning next year’s event, so make sure you don’t miss it and look for the 2020 June date. Anyone interested in taking part in next year should contact Jayne Walpole on 07584 341160.