The National Open Garden Scheme have announced that during a 30 years partnership with the Carers Trust, they have raised over £6.5 million to help fund the charities crucial work.
National Garden Scheme CEO Dr Richard Claxton, Chairman Rupert Tyler, Carers Trust CEO Kirsty McHugh, Dame Mary Berry, and Alan Titchmarsh CBE gathered at St James’s Palace to celebrate 30 years of partnership @ianjonesphotos
On Thursday 25 June, Carers Trust President, HRH The Princess Royal hosted a reception at St James's Palace, celebrating their 30-year partnership with the National Garden Scheme.
The reception brought together 115 guests, including Dame Mary Berry and Alan Titchmarsh CBE, President Emerita and President of the National Garden Scheme respectively, and Angela Rippon CBE, Ambassador for Carers Trust, to celebrate Carers Trust’s longest-standing partnership.
Over the past three decades, more than £6.5 million has been raised through visits to National Garden Scheme gardens to support unpaid carers across the UK.
Carers Trust is a national charity working to support unpaid carers across England, Scotland, and Wales through its 130+ network of local carer services.
The National Garden Scheme provides access to over 3,300 private gardens in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands and raises money for some of the UK’s best-loved nursing and health charities through admissions.
Alongside the vital funding generated through the partnership, the event also recognised the many beautiful National Garden Scheme gardens that have opened their doors to unpaid carers over the years. For many carers, a break is what they need most, but the time and opportunity for a real break can be difficult to find. So being able to access rest, reflection, and connection with nature through National Garden Scheme gardens is incredibly valuable.
Guests included unpaid carers who have shared their experiences to help shape Carers Trust’s work, National Garden Scheme garden hosts who have welcomed carers into their spaces, and ambassadors, trustees and supporters from both organisations.
Garden owner and county organiser, Irene Eltringham-Willson, said: “It’s wonderful to offer unpaid carers respite in our gardens. As a carer for my own parents, I know just how important it is to get away for a few hours to refresh and relax and enjoy nature, and to chat with others with the same experience – it can be a renewal on many levels.”
During the reception, The Princess Royal met several guests and heard first-hand from unpaid carers about their caring experience and how meaningful access to National Garden Scheme gardens is for them and their wellbeing.
Kirsty McHugh, Chief Executive of Carers Trust, said: “We are incredibly proud to celebrate 30 years of partnership with the National Garden Scheme, a collaboration that has made a real and lasting difference to many carers across the UK.
"Thanks to the dedication of garden hosts and supporters, this partnership has raised vital funds that have helped us reach more carers and provide essential support when they need it. More than funding, it has offered opportunities for carers to enjoy time in nature, creating moments of rest and renewal that are so often in short supply.”
Dr Richard Claxton, Chief Executive of National Garden Scheme, said: “We could not be prouder at the National Garden Scheme of celebrating this important landmark. Thirty years of continuous support for Carer’s Trust is a huge achievement, and during this time we have donated over £6.5 Million to support the Trust in its crucial work.
"It’s such a great example of the generosity of private gardens being opened for the public, and the power that they generate – raising significant amounts of money to support such worthwhile causes as this.”
Here in the South West, Wiltshire Open Gardens have announced a new garden for July, Mount House in Cricklade, which will open on Sunday 26 July.
An architect-designed garden, it's undergoing a substantial restoration so whilst it's a work in progress, it’s still well worth going to see with plenty of rare species in its herbaceous borders, grassed mounds, lawns, a glasshouse and a water feature. Visits can also be made by arrangement for larger groups.
On Sunday 19 July, you can visit Cherry Orchard Barn, Luckington & Twigs Community Garden, Cheney Manor, Swindon and on Sunday 26 July, Corsley House, Warminster & Mount House, Cricklade will be open to the public.
For further information visit: @WiltshireopenGardens
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