This year's Wilmslow Wells for Africa Gardens Day was such a success that a fortnight after the event cash is still arriving. Visitors to the 22 gardens dug deep into their pockets to generate more than £7,800 to improve life in drought-stricken areas of Africa. The amount raised was nearly £300 more than raised at last year's event.
Roger Goddard, Fund Treasurer, said "Money is still arriving from people who perhaps had to cancel their visit but, very generously, wanted us to have the ticket money, and from some new supporters as well."
Several gardens attracted around 400 visitors, including the organic acre belonging to John and Sian Barnes in Upcast Lane and those serving refreshments proved to be particularly popular. One garden couple, Malcolm and Eileen MacAuley, in Carrwood Road, served 80 cream teas featuring home-made scones and organic jam, with help from friends and neighbours, which brought in just over £320.
Half-a-dozen other gardens were serving refreshments, including Peter and Tress Attwell and Audrey Holley, in Adlington Road. Peter said "We opened a book for visitors to write any comments about our garden. But most remarks acclaimed the catering, particularly having nine choices of cake.
"One visitor wrote that we scored eleven out of ten and another considered our coffee cake to be 'inspirational'. In fact, the credit for the cake goes to our neighbours who made most of them."
Bargains were also to be found, in Nick and Julia Clayton's garden trays of 'bits and pieces of plants' which were sold for 20p and 50p. They amassed £15 and would probably have cost a fiver each at a garden centre. Whilst the highlight in Richard Weston and Bethan Phillips' garden was 'Lindow Station', designed to appeal to children of all ages with a mini train track, five steam engines and two full size daleks in the garage.
Wilmslow Wells for Africa was set up on the early 1980's by local teacher Brenda Mottershead, who had returned from living for a few years in South Africa and was horrified by the difficulties people had in obtaining clean water.
Since then, the charity has raised over £665,00 and completed 128 projects in 15 countries, ranging in size from simple hand-dug wells to complex water harvesting and storage facilities serving whole villages.
Picture 1: Richard Weston (right) and Bethan Phillips with children Rhys, 11, and Lauren, 8, get down to watch the action on 'Lindow Station'.
Picture 2: Sian and John Barnes with sons Richard, 13, (front, left) and Charles, 9, in their garden, which was visited by about 400 enthusiasts.
For further information on the direct action charity which is run by volunteers visit the Wilmslow Wells website.
