It was remarkable during the lockdown how many people took St Ethelwold’s House and the Garden to their heart. It was a place for gentle restoration, for peace and reflection as well as a place to connect with friends.

Hats off to Susie, who made sure the gates were open throughout, and to all the volunteers who worked so hard to tend the plants. And thanks to Markus who did hours of watering during the hot dry summer.

As we moved slowly out of deep lockdown we wanted to ease the pressure on the volunteer garden team, and we knew there was a lot of good will around on which we could call. So the idea of a Garden Appeal came. We are hoping for more garden volunteers to join the team as well as for some donations so we could invest in things like a watering system to make it easier to maintain the garden..

We also wanted to offer something to the community to enjoy as we cautiously opened up St Ethelwold’s. We wanted to offer happy afternoons with tea and cake in the Garden. Weather permitting of course!

So the idea of a Pop Up Tea Garden was born. We could plan for some afternoons with tea servers and bakers at the ready (also ready for postponement if the weather was bad). We could hope to raise some funds from the garden with the Tea Garden.

Well, you know how the weather has been: we have had to postpone on several occasions, but we have also had some glorious afternoons enjoying delicious baking, the stunning beauty of the Garden, and excellent company. It’s been fun to do, and we have already raised nearly £500 towards the fund. More importantly, we’ve connected with a lot of people who are discovering St Ethelwold’s for the first time.

We’ve been blessed too with an influx of amazing new volunteer supporters, who have new energy and ideas while being sensitive to our vision. They are a real tonic.

But we also need and appreciate our regular supporters, all of you on this mailing list, who continue to give to the life of St Ethelwold’s in so many different ways, and who have a depth of experience of what we are about.

Please do spread the word so more are aware that St Ethelwold’s is here and is a place where everyone is welcome. Come and enjoy the Pop-Up Tea Garden – bring a neighbour or acquaintance. If you have any capacity to get involved, as a baker, a gardener, an organiser, a creative carer for our website or simply as a gentle presence in our midst do let us know. If you can support the garden with a donation please do. But if your life is pressured, and your finances low, do just come and enjoy the garden for yourself.

Possible Pop-Up Tea Garden dates (look on Next Door to see confirmation)
Saturday 17th July 2.30-4 (also Art Exhibition)
Monday 19th July 2.30-4
Tuesday 27th July 3-4.30
Tuesday 3rd August 3-4.30