On the Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday of August each year about 30 gardens in Walsham le Willows, a Suffolk village, are open for your viewing pleasure – look around a variety of gardens, listen to some live music, eat and drink the various foods and refreshments on offer, view and maybe purchase some artwork in the art exhibition.
Walsham le Willows is situated in Suffolk, England and is roughly equi-distant (11 miles) from Bury St. Edmunds, Diss and Stowmarket. See Walsham’s location for a fuller description.
A 28 Year Suffolk Success Story.
The Walsham le Willows Open Gardens Weekend will celebrate its 29th Anniversary Year in 2009 and can certainly claim to be one of the best, longest running and most successful Open Gardens events in East Anglia and probably the country.
The idea for the Open Gardens was first suggested by the then vicar of St Mary’s, the Rev. John Rutherford but credit for the ongoing developments of the Open Gardens event must be given to the late Hilary Russell, whose extraordinary energy and leadership is looked upon as being the reason why so many visitors now come to Walsham le Willows on the Sunday and Monday of the August Bank Holiday.
Former Chairman Robin Newell deserves a special mention for his untiring efforts and organisational ability, as does Dr Alec Russell who gave so much help to his wife and who was the Chairman of the organising committee until last year. Robin Newell has now returned as chairman. The weekend relies on the hard work of lots of people and this year again there will be over 250 local people involved in some way or another.
Funds raised at the Open Gardens are for village causes and most importantly the maintenance of the fabric of our lovely Church. So far over £120,000 has been raised for St Mary the Virgin and it remains a magnificent example of a typical 15th Century East Anglian Church and worth a visit in its own right.
Visitors do not only come for the gardens, however beautiful. They appreciate the calm and serenity of our lovely village and listen to music – this year, by the organist John Allen and The Seckford Ensemble who play in the Church, and at the Memorial Hall there’s music by The Breckland Brass Band and The Gislingham Silver Band.
Particular mention must be made of the refreshments available at both the Priory Room and the Memorial Hall, where wonderful light snacks, lunches, teas and cakes (and especially the meringues!) are provided by the good folk of the village. There will be a large Farmers Market for people to enjoy and sample the fruit of the Suffolk countryside and a good time is guaranteed for all.
