- Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice launches Virtual Open Gardens, short 2-minute peeks at over 40 diverse and beautiful gardens in South East London
Normally in June, Hospice supporters and keen gardeners would make their way around Greenwich and Bexley to discover the hidden gardens as part of an Open Gardens Festival organised in aid of the Hospice by trustee Tim Barnes.
Unfortunately, like many of the Hospice’s events this year, they are unable to go ahead as planned. Instead, this year’s event has gone virtual and visitors can explore these beautiful gardens from home. In over 40 self-made video tours, garden owners from Bexley, Blackheath, Charlton, Eltham and Greenwich showcase their lovingly-tended gardens, sharing gardening ideas and inspiration.
Due to Covid-19, the Hospice is expecting a huge shortfall in funding. Open Gardens has been a major fundraising event for the Hospice raising at least £12,000 each year, as well as providing much enjoyment to both garden openers and visitors. With daily running costs totalling around £23,000, the Hospice is fighting to keep vital services going and provide their specialist palliative care and support to local families.
Abena Oppong-Asare, Member of Parliament for Erith & Thamesmead said: “I’m very proud to have organisations like the Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice in the constituency of Erith and Thamesmead. The Hospice does amazing work all year round and have helped to create a stronger, more connected community during the pandemic. Virtual Open Gardens is another fantastic project that the community can enjoy.”
Matthew Pennycook, Member of Parliament for Greenwich and Woolwich, says: “In the midst of the current crisis, Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice’s care and support are needed more than ever. I hope the community will take the time to appreciate remotely the many splendid residential gardens and also donate to the Hospice’s Emergency Appeal so that they can continue to provide outstanding specialist end of life care to families in our community”.
Available now until 31 July at https://www.communityhospice.org.uk/support-us/our-events/fundraising-events/open-gardens-festival/
