Tarring fig gardens open day pleases owners

WH 050714 Richard and Ann Warner in the fig garden

HISTORIC fig gardens were opened up to the public earlier this month, for one day only.

The Ancient Fig Gardens in the grounds of Bishops Garth, and 1 and 2 Bishop’s Close, in South Street, Tarring, date back to at least 1745.

Richard Warner, the owner of the gardens, said: “It was jolly good. We had quite a lot of people and everyone enjoyed sitting in the sun. We were jolly pleased.”

Entertainment on the day was provided by Richard’s folk band The Splintermen, in which he performs alongside his two sons.

Richard, who plays the flute and whistles, said: “It adds a bit of atmosphere. If you give us an audience we will play.”

Richard and his wife, Ann, provided refreshments on the day including scones.