Save the Date for the Hospice Garden Party
The stunning grounds of Ashridge House will provide the backdrop for The Hospice of St Francis’ ever popular annual Garden Party on Sunday 23 June, with a special party atmosphere in store as the charity celebrates its milestone 40th birthday.
In 40 years the Hospice has grown from supporting 20 people a year to over 2,000 thanks to the community that founded it and party-goers can join the celebrations with regular activities and attractions to keep the whole family entertained – plus the chance to sing Happy Birthday!
There’ll be cream teas on the terrace, Pimms on the lawn, live jazz, a wide range of speciality, locally-produced food and drink, a fabulous shopping village and children’s entertainment.
The family-friendly event from 1-5pm draws crowds in their thousands who come to soak up the festival atmosphere and enjoy the chance to explore the extensive grounds of Ashridge House, which has played host since 2001 to what’s now the largest event in the Hospice’s fundraising calendar.
Lucy Hume, the Hospice’s Head of Community Fundraising, said. ‘Last year, nearly 6,000 visitors helped us raise a record £44,000 towards the over £5m it costs us every year to provide our free care to help people lives their precious lives well.
‘We are extremely grateful to Ashridge House for once again allowing us to use their beautiful grounds for what’s one of the highlights in our fundraising calendar and to BP Saunders for their generous support as this year’s sponsors.
‘We’re really looking forward to this year’s event, which always has such a fantastic community atmosphere. Previous years have drawn crowds from all corners of our catchment area who all come for a great family day out – there really is something for everyone!’
Advance tickets priced £5 are available online at stfrancis.org.uk/gardenparty, from any of the Hospice’s shops, or from main reception at Spring Garden Lane. Tickets priced £7 will be available on the gate. Admission is free for under-16’s. Any local businesses interested in having a stall should email fundraising@stfrancis.org.uk.
To find out more about the Hospice, visit stfrancis.org.uk or follow the charity on Twitter @hospicstfrancis or Facebook facebook.com/thehospiceofstfrancis.