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The village of Mellor in Stockport is looking forward to sharing its lovely views, its varied gardens and its renowned hospitality when it stages the fifth Mellor Open Gardens on Sunday May 25th. 2008. This is a community event based on horticulture and involving 16 individual private gardens which will open their gates to the public to raise money for two charities, one national and one local.
Mellor Open Gardens started in 1992 and was subsequently held in 1995, 2000 and 2004 with the success of the event increasing on each occasion. Our ambition for 2008 is to exceed significantly the total of £10,000 raised in 2004 and once again, the intention is to donate half the proceeds to Cancer Research UK while the other half goes to support the local community centre.
On the day, both Mellor Parish Centre and Mellor Primary School will be available for light refreshments, facilities, information and further activities, and special buses will provide free transport around the village. Admission to the gardens will be by programme which may be obtained in advance. Further details will be provided nearer the time and this website will be updated regularly as the project progresses.
The event, which is run by a small local committee representing both charities, has grown into a cherished special occasion which generates great interest throughout Stockport and beyond. Its scale was demonstrated in 2004, when more than 100 local residents volunteered to assist on the day and over 1500 copies of the programme were sold. As well as a detailed map and descriptions of the gardens to be opened, the programme included the following apt supporting message from Monty Don, the well-known TV gardening presenter:
The best gardens are always private and personal. For a community to open their garden gates for visitors to enjoy and to raise money combines the best of horticulture,hospitality and charity. I hope it is a great day.
Monty Don's message of support
Mellor Open Gardens 2004
We welcome you to Mellor Open Gardens 2008.
Next page: The Open Garden Day
