The rain stayed away for supporters and guests of the project spaceforall at All Saints Church Wokingham, who enjoyed a garden party in the beautiful gardens at the home of Wokingham’s High Steward, Lucy Zeal, patron of the project.
As well as traditional tea and cake, plant, produce, and tombola stalls, there was a short talk from Mrs Zeal about the history of the house and garden and her family’s association with it.
Guests at the event last Wednesday were also able to meet and chat with the professional gardeners who are developing the gardens.
Guests included the Mayor and Mayoress of Wokingham, Cllr Tony Lack and Mrs Claire Lack, and David Finlay, head of Acanthus Clews of Banbury, the architects for the project.
There were also other local councillors, representatives of grant-making trusts, and local community groups who will benefit from the new space.
Canon David Hodgson, Rector of All Saints Church Wokingham, thanked Lucy Zeal for opening the garden and spoke about the once in a lifetime opportunity “spaceforall” offers to create a new community space for Wokingham residents.
The event raised £2,250 for the appeal for funds to start the works on the transformation of the church building.
Canon Hodgson said: “As well as raising funds we wanted to bring people together around the project, to encourage support and share the great possibilities the project has to benefit Wokingham.
“We were delighted that over 100 people came out and thoroughly enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of the gardens, being able to catch up with friends and colleagues they hadn’t seen in-person often for many months.”
And Lucy Zeal said: “‘This was an opportunity to not only raise money for spaceforall but to also allow people to safely get together again after a very difficult year.
“It was a pleasure to welcome All Saints Church.”
To donate or set up a fundraising event, visit www.spaceforall.org.uk
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