After a lapse of four years, due to the pandemic, it was a delight to welcome visitors back to Beckford for our Open Village weekend and an added bonus that it coincided with the celebrations of her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee. The Saturday was busier than normal with visitors in unprecedented numbers, however unfortunately the weather conditions on Sunday were less favourable. The event was opened by garden historian and author Vanessa Bridge , who described the village as "sparkling'. Visitors enjoyed chatting with garden owners on all subjects horticultural, purchasing local propagated plants and homemade preserves. Tea and cakes were provided at 2 outlets including Beckford WI at the Village Hall decorated with Commonwealth flags provided by a local resident, and a champagne bar in garden near the Nature Reserve. Visitors also enjoyed displays of vintage cars and radios, while their children enjoyed a Royal treasure hunt around the 13 open gardens. We would like to thank all our volunteers for their support in preparing for the event and the 1100 visitors who made the weekend such a success. We raised in excess of £11,500 and have already made £700 in grants to local community organisations. Monies raised have been ring fenced to ensure the continued maintenance of our historic church as well as being able to help other local organisations as appropriate.More information about BOV can be found at https://beckfordopenvillage.org.uk/visit-gardens/
For more details about the weekend, the gardens and how to get tickets. Please visit:https://www.ashtonopengardens.co.uk/
