THIS year’s Open Gardens event in Kingsbridge concluded on Sunday with the handing over of a cheque for £1,200 to St Luke’s Hospice.

The celebration event was attended by around 40 open gardeners, trustees, volunteers and Friends of the Garden.

After a sunny weekend for the Open Gardens event itself, the celebration afternoon was full of drizzle, coats and umbrellas, but nothing dampened the enthusiasm of those who attended. A glass of fruit punch greeted them and after the presentation there was tea, scones and cake.

Angela Taylor, this year’s Open Gardens organiser, presented the cheque to Sue Harris, manager of the Kingsbridge St Luke’s Hospice charity shop. Angela thanked everyone on behalf of the Community Garden for their ‘hard work and generosity’ which resulted in £2,200 being raised.

More than half of the amount was donated to St Luke’s, while the rest is being used by the Community Garden itself, which relies on sales and donations to continue its work.

Angela also thanked her colleagues in the garden for their ‘help in providing cakes, punch and support’. In turn there was also a presentation for Angela, who has stepped down as a trustee of the Community Garden, in appreciation of her involvement and commitment to the project over several years.

Angela said: ‘The garden was looking delightful, benefitting from the much-needed rain, and people took the opportunity to pick vegetables and flowers - and even some cuttings. Lots of photos were taken, including one of Irene Jeeninga, Healthwise and Friend of the Garden, who recently donated a noticeboard.’

The Community Garden will shortly be on show again as part of Kingsbridge In Bloom. Everyone is encouraged to visit the Community Garden, off Fore Street in Kingsbridge, and take the opportunity to see what there is in store for the Britain in Bloom judges, or to pick some fresh herbs, vegetables and fruit.

If you have any time to spare, the garden is always on the lookout for new community-minded volunteers and trustees. Check out the website for more information: www.kingsbridgegarden.co.uk