Who Doesn't Want A Hot Air Balloon Ride?

Who Doesn't Want A Hot Air Balloon Ride?
It's one in a lifetime. Why not you?

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Hot-air balloons at West Woodhay House


Hot-air balloons will rise over West Berkshire when a stately home opens its gates to the public.

West Woodhay House, west of Newbury, will be holding the second West Woodhay Garden Show over the weekend of Saturday, June 20, and Sunday, June 21.

The Inigo Jones house, owned by Harry and Sarah Henderson, is set in extensive grounds surrounded by the chalk hills of the North Hampshire Downs.

This is a rare opportunity to see the grounds which include lakes, ponds, woodland, formal gardens and a church.

The walled garden is one of the main attractions designed to supply the house with fresh produce and flowers and has a glass sculpture by Neil Wilkin as its central feature.

In the walled garden, head gardener Pete Jackson and other experts will offer gardening tips.

The Henderson family constantly add to their tree collection and the garden is full of unusual plants.

Other attractions at the show include a floral art show organised by the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies in two marquees.

BBC Antiques Roadshow expert Clive Stewart-Lockhart will provide valuations.

The hot-air balloon rally will also be held at the weekend to celebrate 100 years of the Newbury Show this year. More than 100 trade stands will be at the event with an art exhibition and food available all day.

The gardens are open from 10am until 6pm on each day and admission is £7.

A children’s corner will provide activities and Newbury Rotary will run a silent auction.

East Woodhay Silver Band will be playing all day on the Saturday and Hungerford Brass Band on both days.

On Sunday morning, the Reverend Julie Ramsbotham will hold a service – Praise in the Garden – and the Bishop of Reading, the Rt Rev Stephen Cottrell will also be present.

Last year, the first West Woodhay Garden Show attracted 12,000 visitors and raised more than £80,000 for charities.

Source

No comments: