Open Garden at Bowringsleigh

Guest Blog Post – Sue Tweed, Volunteer (Dartmouth & District Friends Group of Children’s Hospice South West)

Open Garden at Bowringsleigh, West Alvington, Near Kingsbridge TQ7 3LL – 28th April

On one of the few occasions each year that this venue is open to the public, the beautiful and extensive gardens and grounds at Bowringsleigh will be open from 2pm to 5pm on Sunday 28th April, this time in aid of Children’s Hospice South West.

Admission is just £5 per person, with children free of charge. The gardens have the stunning backdrop of the Grade 1 listed Elizabethan house (not open to the public). Teas, refreshments, plant and cake stalls, and a tombola, will be provided by Children’s Hospice South West volunteers and friends. There is free parking with disabled parking available and limited wheelchair access to the gardens. Dogs are allowed if on the lead.

All funds raised are given to Children’s Hospice South West – a Devon charity making the most of short and precious lives. This charity was founded by Eddie Farwell and his late wife, Jill, after they experienced for themselves the urgent need for hospice care for children in the South West. Their two eldest children had life-limiting illnesses and they had to travel over four hours, from North Devon to Helen House in Oxford, then the country’s only children’s hospice. Sadly, Jill and the two children died but the couple’s wonderful work continues, with Eddie still remaining as CEO.

The charity now provides hospice care and support for over 530 families of children with life-limiting conditions from across the South West. With three hospices in the region, meaning that no family has to travel more than 1½ hours to access support, this costs £9.8 million every year. Only 17% of this is provided by government, the rest has to be raised by fundraising.

For more information about this event, please contact Anne on 01548 852774.