We spent a gorgeous evening at our first Chelsea Drinks Party since 2019 in the company of many wonderful supporters on Wednesday 25th May, right in the midst of RHS Chelsea!
The evening was home to a fantastic, buzzing atmosphere, with many of the charity’s brilliant supporters making the most of an opportunity to enjoy a spot of fizz and a selection of delicious canapés amongst friends.
All those who attended relished the opportunity to hear more about the charity and everything we’ve been working on throughout the past three years, including horticultural stars Butter Wakefield, Claus Dalby, Charlotte Harris and Hugo Bugg of Harris Bugg Studio, Tom Stuart-Smith, James Alexander-Sinclair, Bunny Guinness, Horatio’s Garden Ambassador, Anneka Rice and Chair of the National Garden Scheme, George Plumptre.
After being introduced by James Alexander-Sinclair, Horatio’s Garden Founder & Chair of Trustees, Dr Olivia Chapple, took to the stage to warmly welcome and thank everyone who joined us for the evening, whilst also sharing details of our latest projects. With Horatio’s Garden Wales having opened in the week prior to RHS Chelsea, whilst meanwhile fundraising has continued apace for Horatio’s Garden Northern Ireland, there was a great deal to celebrate over the coming hours!
Special guest speaker and designer of Horatio’s Garden London & South East, Tom Stuart-Smith, then shared a few words. In addition to telling the story of the garden he carefully designed, which opened in the midst of the pandemic in September 2020, Tom also shared a moving quote from a friend of his, who recently sustained a spinal cord injury and who has found the garden to be a place in which to find friendship, but also a place where the constant rhythms of life and nature are eternally life-affirming.
With Wild Artichoke creating the evening’s stunning flowers and Lewys and his saxophone lending the evening the perfect contemporary soundtrack, everyone shared how happy they were to have attended and how brilliant it was to be up to date with all things Horatio’s Garden.
Each smile was wonderfully captured by photographer Lucy Shergold, including those of the people representing The Caledonia Foundation, who were enormously generous in their support of the occasion.
We are so grateful to everyone who joined us and are already excited to see you all next year!
