Little Bentley Hall Waterways & Garden Show REPORT 2019

Little Bentley Hall Waterways & Garden Show  31st May-2nd June 2019

What a fantastic weekend we had for the Garden Show, the weather was wonderful, and everyone we have spoken to has nothing but praise for the weekend. We did not receive a single complaim only praise from the Public and Friends.

Friday Night saw over 500 Guests enjoy our Gala Preview Evening  with Reliquum Gin Fizz’s , Wine and lots of Canapes, which many thought were professionally produced, but no these were all made by the ladies of our Villages. The Parachute Regiment Band Marched on down the main drive of the Hall was a real sight to behold, as they wheeled right onto the Front Lawn  and proceeded to Beat Retreat and play for us. A truly memorable evening.

Our two Public days on Saturday and Sunday saw around 6,000 visitors to the show, to enjoy the Art Show, over 50 trade stalls, and of course the jewel in the crown the Palmer-Tomkinson’s private Gardens and Waterways, which were at their very best.  Canine Partners gave two demonstrations each day of how their dogs work so well helping their partners, from helping get money from a cash point to helping with getting washing in and out of machines. We had 6 Brass Bands playing throughout the weekend, and lots of food and drink outlets to keep our visitors fed and watered. The Silent Auction was a magnet for people who made some wonderful bids on the 100 Lots on offer. The Red Telephone Box created a lot of interest finally being sold for £3,100.

The weekend Event  raised over £70,000 for the Charities that we were supportingand all this money has now been distributed to Canine Partners, ABF the Soldiers Charity, Wix Young Farmers, the 5 Churches who we supported Little Bentley, Great Bromley, Lawford, Beaumont cum Moze and Tendring. We also supported Kelvedon and Manningtree Rotary Clubs and the Lions Club of Clacton on Sea. Also Essex Community Foundation, Colchester Scout Band, and the Salvation Army..

A big thank you again to Christopher and Virginia Palmer-Tomkinson for allowing their gardens to be invaded again by so many people, and for the many hours and months they both put in to ensure these were just right for all your visits . This will be the last Garden Show that that we will be staging on this scale we are afraid, as it has taken almost 2 years to plan. A very big thanks you must go to everyone who helped and supported this event there were too many to name.

Nigel Dyson

Show Director

5th July  2019.