The Hidden Gardens of Bury bloom

Visitors dug deep for charity as they enjoyed a selection of blooming gardens all in the name of a good cause.

With all the funds now counted St Nicholas Hospice Care is pleased to announce 2021’s Hidden Gardens of Bury event is expected to have raised around £22,500 for the charity, which supports people across West Suffolk and Thetford facing dying, caring and grief.

Lizzie Cross, the hospice’s community fundraiser, said: “The Hidden Gardens of Bury was a wonderful event, and we are so grateful to all of those who joined us on the day, opened their gardens, volunteered to help make sure the event ran smoothly, and of course our sponsors Ellisons Solicitors and Bedfords Estate Agents.

“Early estimates show that this year’s Hidden Gardens of Bury will have resulted in more than £22,500 for the hospice, which means 2021 has been a great year for the fundraiser and we are delighted.

“In the current times to have been able to put on an event that was enjoyed by around 1,000 people and raised such a wonderful amount is overwhelming, and we are indebted to all of those who helped make the event the success it was. It was wonderful to be able to offer people the chance to enjoy some of the best gardens Bury has to offer.

“Last year the majority of our events, which included The Hidden Gardens of Bury were cancelled, so to have had this much support really is humbling. Other areas of income remain threatened due to Covid-19, as we adapt into a new norm, so we thank our community for their support with this event which we were delighted to run. By supporting our events our community is helping to ensure those facing dying, caring and grief get the services and support they need.”

With 27 outdoor spaces open throughout the day, the size of the gardens on show varied, with everything from colourful courtyards to gardens boosting vegetables, greenhouses and water features. 

It’s estimated that around 1,000 visitors enjoyed this year’s Hidden Gardens of Bury, which was sponsored by Ellisons Solicitors and Bedfords Estate Agents, which took place on Sunday (July 11), with the funds raised through ticket sales, and the sale of plants, books, refreshments and donations.