Yesterday we marked the launch of the Horatio’s Garden Fabulous Summer Tea Party week in style with two delightful afternoon teas; one at Longford Castle, and one at Hamptworth Lodge.
Our patron, the Countess of Radnor, generously offered to host a tea party for over 50 guests at her home and it was the perfect start to our very first national fundraising event. Lady Radnor has supported Horatio’s Garden since the beginning and continues to love helping the charity in any way she can. She recently shared, “We all like to volunteer as a family, and volunteering has been a wonderful way to get to know the patients and see the garden throughout the seasons. You never fail to come away without feeling the power a garden has to help human beings repair and learn to live again after a life-changing accident.”
Chair of Trustees, Dr Olivia Chapple, represented the charity at the occasion and spoke with many enthusiastic guests about how valuable their support is to people facing incredibly difficult times. She was also joined by patient Memory Mafu, who shared her story with guests and enlightened them by voicing what Horatio’s Garden means to her. Our new Head Gardener for Oswestry, Imogen Jackson, got involved in the fun too, despite it only being her first day in her new position! She really enjoyed chatting with supporters, and certainly made the most of a brilliant opportunity to learn even more about the charity.
There was, of course, a phenomenal amount of tea at the event, which was naturally served from the signature Horatio’s Garden teapot designed by Emma Bridgewater. The castle and gardens looked truly beautiful, and guests were delighted by the wonderful array of sweet treats on offer too. There was certainly something to for everyone, from a classic Victoria Sponge to a more indulgent Raspberry Chocolate Cake!
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Meanwhile, at Hamptworth Lodge, around 25 guests gathered in the Lodge’s stunning gardens for yet another Fabulous Summer Tea Party.
The event was generously hosted by Charlotte Everett and Megan Romilly, who invited many of their wonderful friends to join them for an afternoon celebrating tea, cake and friendship in support of the charity.
Head of Fundraising, Emma Hussey, popped along on behalf of Horatio’s Garden too and offered guests the chance to purchase a tea party memento. Our new Emma Bridgewater allium mugs were once again very popular, with many taking one home as a keepsake to treasure for years to come.
It was lovely to see so much interest from guests about the charity and Emma happily chatted with everyone about its work, particularly emphasising how valuable the gardens are in supporting the mental wellbeing of patients and their families. Many guests wanted to learn more about the charity’s weekly gentle garden and art therapy sessions, simultaneously sharing their own uplifting experiences of both gardens and gardening.
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We are so grateful to Lady Radnor, Charlotte and Megan for hosting a Fabulous Summer Tea Party, and thank you to everyone who attended both occasions. Your kindness and incredible generosity will make a real difference to the lives of so many people affected by spinal injury.