The historic garden of Fanshawe Gate Hall in Holmesfield, Derbyshire will open this summer for the last time under the National Gardens Scheme. Having raised over £85,000 for charity since 1995, owners John and Cynthia Ramsden will hang up their hoes just in time to celebrate their Diamond Wedding in August. Open days begin this Sunday 24th June and continue on Sundays 1st, 8th and 15th July.
Recommended by The Daily Telegraph and The Guardian as one Derbyshire’s private gardens to visit, Fanshawe Gate attracts horticulturalists, painters and visitors of all ages from around the UK. Several smaller gardens combine to create a tranquil setting for the 13th century Hall. Of particular interest are the traditional cottage borders set against striking stone features, the Elizabethan Knott garden, restored orchard, 16th century Dovecote and the 400-year-old tithe barn. The resident ducks and hens are popular with younger visitors who can also enjoy a Diamond Wedding themed garden hunt this year.
Macmillan Cancer Relief, the Oesophageal Patients Association, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and Christian Aid have all benefitted from the funds raised at Fanshawe Gate, which includes proceeds from the sale of Cynthia’s two books, ‘A Garden in my Life’ (2002) and ‘Garden Tales’ (2009). Having made a full recovery from oesophageal cancer, Cynthia raised £10,000 by climbing Mont Blanc in 1999, aged 69.
Cynthia says: “It has been a great privilege to live at Fanshawe Gate for over 50 years, and to have welcomed so many visitors from all over the world. Some visit to gather ideas for their own gardens, others enjoy a bit of peace in a secluded, shady corner and many return year after year with family and friends. Several even became volunteer helpers, and we are grateful to everyone who has given so much of their time to support us.”
NGS Derbyshire County Organiser Irene Dougan says: “Fanshawe Gate Hall is one of my favourite gardens, it is a wonderful tranquil space full of delightful surprises, and beautiful colour-themed borders. Cynthia and John have loved and tended it for many years, and it is sad that they are not able to carry on opening it for NGS, but I wish them well and hope they will have many more years to enjoy it. I hope too that the weather will be kind on their open days and give as many visitors as possible their last chance to visit this fabulous garden.”
The garden opens from 11.00 am – 5.00 pm. Tickets cost £3.00 adults, under 15s free, and are available on the gate. Homemade refreshments include morning coffee, ploughman’s lunches and afternoon tea. Parking is available at the Hall.
ENDS
Media contacts:
Louise Third, Integra Communications, 0115 906 1377 / 07773 288342
Cynthia Ramsden: 0114 289 0391
Photographs available:
John and Cynthia Ramsden will welcome this summer’s visitors for the last time.
NOTES:
Fanshawe Gate Hall Open Garden – the National Gardens Scheme
Fanshawe Gate Hall, Holmesfield (follow signs off B6054)
www.fanshawegate.org.uk for directions.
Opening times: 11.00 – 17.00
Tickets available at the gate: Adults £3.00, under 15 years free.
Refreshments include morning coffee, ploughman’s lunches and afternoon tea.
Parking is available at the Hall.