Crowds queued up for the opening of the second village show in the magnificent grounds of Bretforton Manor last Saturday. (13th Sept)
Over 1,000 visitors streamed in to enjoy the traditional village show which was raising funds for St Richard’s Hospice, the Worcestershire charity celebrating its 30th anniversary.
Entries to the show classes were up on last year with fine displays and exhibits including the fruit and vegetable, flower, photography, handicrafts, cookery and wine categories.
There were performances from Bretforton’s Silver Band, demonstrations from Worcester Owl Conservation Group and the North Cotswold Pony Club, British Vintage Motorbikes, craft stalls, refreshments and a real ale tent from the National Trust owned, Fleece Inn.
Children were kept entertained with a variety of play activities from face painting to pony rides.
Many took the opportunity to look around the stunning gardens of Bretforton Manor, a house dating back to the 1600s, which are usually only open to the public by appointment under the National Gardens Scheme.
Mark Chambers of Bretforton Manor said, “It was a fantastic day all round. We were thrilled with the turnout and delighted that we will be able to make a significant donation to St Richard’s Hospice – in the region of £4,000.
“The weather was perfect, we had lots to keep people entertained and the quality of entries in the show was wonderful, giving the judges some tough decisions. We are looking forward to next year already!”
St Richard’s Hospice Fundraising Manager Rachel Jones said,” We are very grateful to Mark and Angela Chambers for hosting such a superb event and the committee who put such a lot of time and energy into making the event such a success. The money the event raised will help us to continue our care of patients and their loved ones when they need us at a very difficult time.”
St Richard’s Hospice provides free specialist palliative care for patients living with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses and supports their families. Each year the hospice team supports over 2,500 patients and family members in Worcestershire.
Patients are cared for in Day Hospice, the 17-bed In-patient Unit or in their own homes by a specialist professional team as well as many trained volunteers.
In the In-patient Unit specialist staff are on hand 24 hours a day to manage patients’ symptoms and where, if appropriate, patients may spend the last few days of life in comfort and dignity. St Richard’s is an independent charity and is grateful for all donations to help them to continue their work.