On Sunday afternoon the sun shone (it had rained most of the night before), and around 125 people visited Old School Garden, Oaklands Farm and the Parish Church in Haveringland’s first ‘Open Gardens’ event.

We raised nearly £900 for 2 ‘good causes’ (repairs and improvements to the Church and to support the Papillon Project -which is creating allotments at High Schools across Norfolk) . 

Many people said how grateful they were for the opportunity to get out and meet others and sit in a peaceful garden. It was especially  pleasing to meet two families who had lived in the Old School back in the 1970’s and 1980’s..they loved looking round and remembering the place 50 years ago.

One of them..Dennis Carter (see picture) even wore a badge from back then..he was one of the founders of the ‘Friends of St.Peter’s’ and was pleased to hear about the plans for repairs and improvements.

And at Oaklands Farm Zena and Dave, with 8 arts and crafts stalls also put on a great show. Apart from these attractions their lovely garden was also available and Dave’s work to restore a rare 1930’s Leopard Moth aircraft proved to be a big hit.

And the Papillon Project had a great afternoon explaining the project to some enthusiastic visitors and sold some refurbished garden tools amongst other items at their ‘Pap up shop’!

The Church and Conservation Churchyard were also open and many visitors managed to see inside the Church for the first time, as it is normally closed.

Thanks to Jane Steward of Eastgate Larder and to Peter Purdy of Woodgate Nursery for their donations of merchandise which all helped boost our takings.

Thank you to everyone who came along – we’re already thinking of even bigger and better next year!