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Red Cross Great Spring Garden Events Celebrates 20 Years

The British Red Cross Great Spring Gardening Event will return to Newport House on 26 April 2017, celebrating 20 years of this prestigious horticultural occasion.

It follows a highly successful event at Newport House in 2016, which, despite adverse weather, welcomed 1800 visitors and raised almost £35,000.

The 2017 celebration will take place in the presence of the Countess of Darnley HM Lord-Lieutenant of Herefordshire.

The British Red Cross is delighted to receive the support of many local businesses and services at this wonderful day, and Eat Sleep Live Herefordshire is proud to be one of them.

ESL Director Heidi Chamberlain-Jones is Vice President of the British Red Cross for Herefordshire/Shropshire/Worcestershire and says “So often we see what The British Red Cross is doing on an international basis (as the International Red Cross) and we perhaps don’t realise how much they do for individuals on a very local level. As VP I very much want to raise awareness of the amazing work of the volunteers and staff and to alert people to their valuable services.”

Another supporting business is banking giant Barclays, who’s staff are very kindly lending their time to give their professional services.

Barclays Hereford Business Manager, Jessica Kitchen said “Barclays colleagues are actively encouraged to volunteer their time and skills to deliver a positive social impact in their local community. Whether supporting Barclays shared goal to help people develop vital enterprise, employability and financial skills, or helping with the causes they personally care about, a range of support is available to volunteer. An event we have supported for the past 4 years is the Red Cross Spring Gardening Event. Barclays staff from the Hereford branch volunteer their time to support however is required on the day, whilst also matching up to £1000 of money raised.”

Debra Tritton, British Red Cross president for Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire, said “We are thrilled to be returning to the spectacular setting of Newport House, by kind and generous permission of owners David and Jenny Watt, which is usually closed to the public. The grounds are beautifully maintained and visitors will love the stunning woodland and lake and the walled kitchen garden with its glasshouses.

“The money we raise will assist us to support people in crisis by funding the British Red Cross Services including our Support at Home service, Assisted Hospital Discharge, Mobility aid loans such as wheelchairs and commodes. We provide Emergency Responses services – such as assistance during severe weather and fires. Our service offerings embed us in communities 365 days a year.”

Visitors will have the opportunity to buy plants and flowers from specialist nurseries and enjoy locally-sourced refreshments.

Don’t forget to come and say hello to Team ESL on our stand and pick up your new 2017 edition of the Ultimate Herefordshire Guide.

The Great Spring Gardening Event 2017 will take place at Newport House, Almeley, Herefordshire, HR3 6LL.

It will run from 10.30-4.30 on 26 April 2017.

Tickets are available for £6 in advance or £7 on the day.

For more information about the 2017 Great Spring Gardening event or to book tickets visit www.redcross.org.uk/greatspringgarden