Pink Floyd star helps to raise £84,000 for air ambulance and Bobby Van

By Barrie Hudson - 4 August 2022

Charity
  • Nick Mason, second from right, with the Wiltshire Air Ambulance crew

    Nick Mason, second from right, with the Wiltshire Air Ambulance crew

A record amount has been raised for local charities through the Middlewick Open Gardens event at the Wiltshire home of Pink Floyd musician Nick Mason and his wife Annette.

Attractions included the Pink Floyd star's collection of classic cars

The £84,000 total is the greatest ever, beating the previous best figure of £52,000 for last year’s event. 

The money will be split between Wiltshire Air Ambulance and The Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust.
Over 7,000 people visited the gardens of Middlewick House in Corsham across the two days, and were treated to a host of stalls, including plants, gifts and clothing.

The barbecue and cake stands were busy throughout the weekend and visitors were also able to see the star's collection of 30 high performance and classic cars. 
Both the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust and Wiltshire Air Ambulance are charities that are close to Mr and Mrs Mason's hearts.

The two are Ambassadors for Wiltshire Air Ambulance and Mrs Mason is Vice Patron for the Bobby Van Trust. Mr Mason made a break from touring to attend and he spent hours talking and signing books for queues of visitors. 

Wiltshire Air Ambulance director of fundraising and communications Barbara Gray said: “We can’t thank Nick and Annette enough for hosting this amazing event once more and we are so grateful to the thousands of people who turned up across the weekend. We would also like to thank all of our brilliant volunteers who helped out at the event.

“The money raised has beaten all previous records by some way and it’s a huge boost to our charity as we continue to save lives across Wiltshire, Bath and surrounding areas.”

Jennie Shaw, director of The Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust, said: “The Masons are a private couple, yet now most of Wiltshire knows where they live! Frankly, I am amazed at their generosity – each year they allow thousands of people a glimpse into their private space and beautiful gardens and are fully supportive of the local community.

“I must also thank their neighbours and all of those living on Middlewick Lane for coping with thousands of cars descending on their quiet lane one weekend each year. 

"I would also like to show my gratitude to Frank and Jordan Powell, Chippenham Rotary and all the wonderful volunteers who make the weekend possible.

“The event has gone from strength to strength and it also boosts the local economy with the increased footfall who spend their money in local shops.”

Wiltshire Air Ambulance is a charity which has provided Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) across Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath and surrounding areas since 1990. It costs £4m a year to keep the air ambulance flying and saving lives. 

The Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust works in partnership with the Wiltshire Police and provides a home security service and online safety service for over-60s and other adults with registered disabilities.

It works to safeguard people experiencing domestic abuse throughout Wiltshire and Swindon.

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