The Plant Sale this year raised over £380 - thank you so much to all those involved, either bringing plants, coming and buying, or those who did so much work on the day.

It was disappointing that our May meeting the next day was so poorly attended, because we had a very good talk.  Andrew Sankey told us all about "Miss Wilmott's Ghost" - which we might have thought we knew a bit about - but we soon realised we didn't!  The story of Ellen Wilmott was fascinating.

Our next two meetings are visits to gardens.  To download a printable version of the following, please click here.  The first on June 5th, is to Ousden House, Ousden, Newmarket, CB8 8TN, meeting there at 7pm:

"Mr & Mrs Robinson acquired Ousden House almost twenty years ago. The house was formerly the garage and stable block of Ousden Hall which was demolished in 1955, and the site had reverted to woodland and paddocks. They immediately began to create a large and varied garden which now amounts to some 12 acres.

It is now a large spectacular garden with fine views over the surrounding countryside. Herbaceous borders, rose garden, summerhouse lawn and borders, ornamental woodland, and lake. Additional special features include a long double crinkle-crankle yew hedge leading from the clock tower and a moat garden densely planted with flowering shrubs and moisture loving plants."

Ousden House stands at the west end of the village next to the Church.  To find it, go past the village sign and a second sign saying 'bends'. Immediately round the first bend the entrance is on your right (green wooden field gates). If you miss this entrance, turn right at the next opportunity, towards the church and come in by the back gates, which are immediately on your right.

Although we are being charged £8 a head, this includes a very personalised visit to a renowned garden, tea or a glass of wine and some little things to eat at the end of the evening.  All of the profit goes to St. Peter's Church at Ousden.

To help them provide the refreshments, it would be helpful if you can let either Geraldine or Michelle know if you are coming, please.  Contact Geraldine on 01787 280134 or email gross43@btinternet.com, or email Michelle on michelle@worrall.uk.com.

The second, on July 3rd, is a Brockley & Whepstead Safari!

Starting at Box Bush Cottage (IP29 4AL) in Brockley at 7.00pm. Coming into Brockley from Hartest, go past the turning on the left to Rede & Chedburgh, then past the telephone box.  The drive for Box Bush Cottage is on your left.

Then carry on along the road to Bury to get to the second port of call, by 7.45pm at the very latest please, which is The Old Rectory in Whepstead, IP29 4TB.  Once in Whepstead take the first right being Rectory Road and a few seconds up there on the left is a white gate which is the Old Rectory.  Unfortunately the postcode takes you to the chapel.  Park on the drive.

You need to get to the last garden, Timber Hills, Rede Road, Whepstead, IP29 4SR, by 8.15pm if you are going to have time for refreshments.  Go back to the Bury Road, and turn right.  Take the next turning on the left, which is Church Hill.  At the next junction, turn left.  Timber Hills is the first house on the right.

Thanks very much to Claire Hayward, Sue Lawrence and Roger Quince for inviting (!) us to their gardens.  The takings will be shared between their chosen charities - St Nicholas Hospice Care and the My WiSH Charity, which supports the West Suffolk Hospital.

 

 

 

 

During the visit to Richmond House in Clare in June.

 

Our display in the Church to celebrate the Queen's 90th birthday.