IN HAMPSHIRE
Well, here we still are……. The only difference now is that we are in complete lockdown since I last contacted you.
As we are a charity, dependent entirely on our Garden Visitors to raise funds for the Nursing, Caring and Health sectors, Covid -19 is an absolute disaster for our beneficiaries.
This is the first time in its 92 year history that the NGS has had to close its Garden Gates - it even kept going through the second world war. Unless we can do something about it, this will mean that the charity's income will be down by around 80% for 2020. Ironically, it was through Nursing that the National Garden Scheme was born, way back in 1927. Two influential people came up with the idea to raise funds for Nurses, by persuading people with large gardens/estates to open them to the general public for a fee, since then the NGS hasn’t looked back. Now the nurses need our help and support more than ever.
To this end the garden owners, volunteers and staff have launched a fantastic campaign to try to address this situation - ‘virtual garden visits’ .
On 16th April, Alan Titchmarsh, who is a Hampshire resident, lent his support to the campaign by letting us use a 'virtual tour' of his very private garden, which was filmed last year.
I would ask you to please have a look. If you click on the link: https://ngs.org.uk/alan-titchmarsh-lends-his-support-to-the-national-garden-scheme-and-its-nursing-beneficiaries/ it will take you directly to the page. There you will also see a message from Mary Berry, our President. Page down and you can click on “Visit Another Garden”, where there is a choice of other gardens to ‘visit’. If you then feel that you would like to make a donation, it would be more than welcome, and Thank You Very Much - there you will also find the link to DONATE. There will be more gardens added every week.
I am very aware that this is an extremely “wordy” Newsletter, but I would just like to include a couple of quotations from two of our Nursing Beneficiaries:-
SUPPORT FROM OUR BENEFICIARIES:
‘Queen’s Nurses have been supported by the opening of private gardens to the public since 1927 when the QNI founded the National Gardens Scheme, so I am delighted to see that people can continue to enjoy these beautiful gardens – albeit virtually – and continue to raise money for Queen’s Nurses who are leading and delivering expert nursing care to patients in every village, town and city during this pandemic.’
Dr Crystal Oldman CBE, Chief Executive, Queens Nursing Institute
Dr Crystal Oldman CBE, Chief Executive, Queens Nursing Institute
‘At this time of national crisis, we’re especially proud to be partnered with The National Garden Scheme whose determination to keep supporting, despite the present challenges, is inspiring for us all. Right now, Marie Curie nurses are on the frontline of the Covid-19 crisis, caring for vulnerable and dying people in our communities in incredibly challenging circumstances. They are hugely encouraged by knowing that NGS garden owners, volunteers and visitors are still supporting Marie Curie frontline staff so they in turn can continue caring for families and relieving pressure on acute hospitals.’
Matthew Reed, Chief Executive, Marie Curie
Here in Hampshire, our County Organiser, Mark Porter, has set up a WhatsApp Group for Hampshire NGS. Meaning all our Garden Owners and County Team Members can keep in touch and share pictures and ideas and events happening in their gardens. It is proving very popular, and we now have a “competition” with no prizes, for Plant of the Week. This is our first week.
I have picked out four to share with you:-
THE SPECTACULAR: FLOWER SPIKE OF ECHIUM pininana. (Can’t wait to see the flower)
Entry by Adam Vetere of Old Camps, Headley, Thatcham. RG19 8LG
THE EXOTIC: GREVILLEA victoriae (Evergreen shrub)
Entry by Vivienne Garford of 80, Abbey Road Fareham PO15 5HW
THE SIMPLY STUNNING: COWSLIPS (Cousin of the Primrose. A field of nodding Cowslips is a rare sight)
Entry by Tessa Redshaw of Spitfire House Chattis Hill Stockbridge SO20 6JS
JUST PERFECTION: VIOLA (Dobies Hybrid)
Entry by Penny Burnfield of Terstan Longstock Stockbridge SO20 6DW
There really are some great images there. It certainly was very difficult to choose - in fact I set out with three, and then decided I just had to include the last one.
I hope that you have enjoyed this Newsletter and I would ask that you share this with as many members and friends as you can.
Take Care, Stay Safe. Best Wishes
Pat Beagley (Publicity)
National Garden Scheme - Hampshire
