Funtastic Fundraising

 

We think       East Dorset and New Forest     Branch/Group deserves this award because:

 

This year as in nine previous years our group of volunteers and their families have spent many hours preparing for one of our most popular and profitable (averaging over £900 per year) fund raising events.

The venue for this event is an empty Dorset field which leads to the Woodland gardens – “renowned for azaleas and rhododendrons”.

As the heat of the day rises so does the temperature of the support team, who arrive in convoy to transform the quiet field into a bustling market place.

Unpacked are the heavily laden cars loaded with everything from tables, chairs, water, calor gas cooker, and all other necessities that a weary garden wanderer could wish for after an exhilarating but pleasurable stroll around the gardens seldom opened to the public.

From the scorching heat an oasis arises as gazebos are constructed by the team of dedicated volunteers.

A variety of refreshing drinks, homemade cakes and lovingly cultivated plants are made available for the welcome visitors, picnic tables and chairs create an alfresco seating area for that well deserved refreshment break on completion of the enjoyable garden experience.

Every convenience is provided for, even down to the rustic toilet tent (kindly loaned by the local Girl Guide group) discreetly located en route to the car parking area.

As the afternoon gives way to early evening, and the last of the visitors depart the tireless volunteers return the field to its natural Dorset beauty and generous landowner.