GREAT Oaks Hospice opened its gardens as part of a fund-raising event.

The hospice at The Gorse, Coleford held an open gardens, craft and food fair on Sunday (July 17).

Hospice fund-raiser Debbie Hutchinson said: “We were delighted that so many people came out to look around our gardens, with many enjoying the shade whilst listening to the music of Wye 5 – one of their members is a hospice’s complementary therapist, Gerry Crossman.

“Light lunches and cakes were served and many of the staff and volunteers helped on the day.

“English Bicknor WI came along to run the cake stall where they, Lydney WI and lovely supporters donated cakes.

Chase Farm from Tidenham came along with their horse box and served ice cream which went down a treat.

“There was a fantastic selection of Craft stalls and our charity retail shop also brought along a lovely selection of donated goods to sell too.

“We were very fortunate to have lots of lovely plant donations from local garden centres and our supporters both to sell on our plant stall and to use as raffle prizes.

“Thank you to everyone who visited us, we are very grateful that so many of you turned out in the heat.

“The event raised around £1,800 for our hospice and with the support that we get from out wonderful community means that we can continue with and grow our services which means more local families are able to benefit.”

The hospice is holding a 20th anniversary ball – with a Roaring 20s theme in a yurt at Leyfold Events, Westbury on Saturday, August 13. Tickets are £45.

The following day there is a vintage tea party at the same venue. Contact Debbie Hutchinson on 01594 811910 or e-mail [email protected]