The Garden Gadabout

 

The Sussex Beacon’s Garden Gadabout is one of our primary fundraising events which see a variety of fascinating and beautiful gardens and community spaces, opening their gates to the public across two week ends in June and July. The Garden Gadabout raises vital funds for the Beacon via the generosity of the gardeners taking part who share their gardens enthusiasm and passion for gardening with the public. Funds are raised via the entrance fee and garden sales or activities. Entrance is £2 per garden, or a one day ticket provides entry to all the gardens across all the trails for £7.

An array of gorgeous gardens- from small city centre courtyards to expansive sweeping spaces, bold contemporary designs to quiet havens of wildlife, Join to create the Garden Gadabout.

 “This is such a brilliant way to show off your garden and meet lots of fellow enthusiasts,” says Bridgette Saunders, the Garden Gadabout coordinator. “We’ve found that people genuinely enjoy sharing their space and come back year after year. Personally, I love visiting the gardens and offering encouragement as well as experiencing each individual’s own way of creating something special with their plots, large or small.”

 

The gardens are divided into trails making planning your visit easier. Many of the gardens offer sales of teas, cakes, lunches and have art works to view or buy.  So after a day soaking up the inspiration and beauty, you can relax and enjoy some lunch, or tea and a chat in gorgeous surroundings.

 

All the money raised comes directly to The Sussex Beacon, supporting our work to care and support people living with HIV. www.sussexbeacon.org.uk

What are Trails?

The gardens are all divided into easy to manage trails to make visiting easier to manage and plan. You can see how the trails were grouped last year by downloading last year’s brochure. We are currently working on creating the trails for 2012. If you know of a trail near you and would like to open your garden please do get in touch. We are looking for new gardens to grow our existing trails.

Entry Price

Entry to each garden is £2- or a £7 day ticket gives one day access to all the gardens across all the trails. Day tickets will be available to buy in advance from the Dome Box Office or at the gardens on the day. Children go free. All money raised from entry and sales in the gardens helps to support our vital work.

Raising Funds

The Sussex Beacon has to raise over 50% of its income through fundraising and it costs approximately £1.9 million per year to maintain our current service levels. We rely heavily on fundraising and the goodwill of our local community to raise the vital funds needed. The Garden Gadabout is a crucial part of that fundraising work. In August 2011 we launched our Beacon Appeal to raise the £150k needed to keep our Inpatient Unit open. This year’s Gadabout is more important than ever as we fight to save this vital service.

All funds raised from the Garden Gadabout go directly to The Sussex Beacon.

If you would like to know more about our Appeal or to donate visit www.sussexbeacon.org.uk

 

If you would like to know more about the Garden Gadabout contact Bridgette Saunders or the fundraising team on 01273 645691 or send an email.

 

Join us for 2012!