Downham Hall will open its gardens to the public on the afternoons of Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd July this year in aid of The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal and Downham Village Hall.
Remembrance is the theme this year and the garden will be featuring poppies and cornflowers (weather permitting). There will be traditionally planted herbaceous borders, a red and white themed Rose Garden and extensive kitchen gardens with some new and interesting vegetables, herbs and fruit for people to view. All profits from the weekend, which is entirely manned by local volunteers, will be split equally between the two featured charities.
Visitors to the garden, with its unrivalled views of Pendle Hill, will also be able to enjoy great value and delicious home-made cream teas, as well as prosecco and ice creams. The weekend will feature music from Clitheroe Town Band and performances by the Royal Preston Morris Dancers on Saturday. Barnoldswick Brass Band and the all-female Malkin Morris Dancers will headline the traditional weekend’s Sunday.
A number of local groups, craftspeople and artists add to the interest and variety of the event. There will be an opportunity to buy sturdy local plants and greenery from Ribble Valley Plants and Ruth Symonds as well as fantastic wooden garden crafts from Neil Turner. A WI cake stall, pickles from Mouse Enterprises and organic products from Deerstones Bakery, Gazegill Organics and Leagrams Organic Cheese add to the offer.
New stallholders this year include Susie Talbot’s handmade bags and jeweller in wood, Crickhollow Crafts. There will be a ‘’Mouse Hunt’ in St Leonards Church and games for children. The ‘human fruit machine’, raffles and tombola’s are always popular and the venue benefits from plenty of undercover space, so a good time is assured whatever the weather! Anyone wanting to find out more about First Responders will be able to find out more from local experts.
The Royal British Legion provides lifelong support for the Armed Forces community – serving men and women, veterans and their families. By wearing a poppy, people are supporting the Armed Forces both past and present – it is not only a symbol of Remembrance but also of hope. As a result of the public’s support in the last year, The Royal British Legion has been able to answer more than a million requests for help from the armed forces community.
Downham Village Hall is also a charity and is available as a newly modernised, flexible and reasonably priced venue for weddings, events and other celebrations.
www.britishlegion.org.uk/remembrance/ww1-centenary/thank-you/
Entry is just £5.00 and children under 12 and serving and military personnel, showing relevant current or veteran I.D. will be admitted free. Opening hours are 2.00 p.m – 4.00 p.m on each day.
