Great success of St Catherine’s Hospice fundraiser

Sunshine met 900 visitors to the St Catherine’s Hospice Garden and Local Produce Fair organised by the volunteer group, New Horizons Appeal.
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The day was a wonderful success with people making the most of the good weather and the invitation to an early morning breakfast and first pickings of some excellent plants and local produce.

Volunteer organiser Sarah Brook commented on the day: “The stalls make this fair such a pretty event and they provide our visitors with first class plants for their gardens.

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“This year we were delighted to have new additions in the form of sculptures, butterfly pictures, outdoor canvas bags, natural wool rugs and cushions and gardening accessories.

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“The fair is always a delight to organise as everyone is out to enjoy the day - visitors, volunteers and stall holders.”

Dendy Easton was a popular feature, being stopped by visitors who knew him from the BBC Antique Roadshow.

The team of Summers Place Advisor Services experts worked hard all day to value people items of interest in the Gallery.

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Robert Bradshaw of Gravetye Manor gave an excellent talk on the historical gardens to a full marquee assisted by Fair Ambassador Jean Griffin, the voice of the gardening programmes for BBC Radio Sussex, Surrey and Kent.

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“We have so many people to thank this year including The Crown at Dial Post who kindly made the excellent quiches for lunch which went down so well,” said Sue Crofts.

“The gallery restaurant would not be possible without the wonderful team of volunteers who worked tirelessly from early morning breakfast, to coffee and cakes, delicious lunches and on through to afternoon tea, a fantastic effort!”

The fair had a wonderful atmosphere and the wheelbarrows were busy going to and from the fair to the car park loaded with plants.

The fair was supported by Strutt and Parker estate agents of Horsham, Berkeley Homes and Summers Art Advisor Services.

Contributed by Sally Pavey.

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