Abbotsbrook Open Gardens Raise £1,200
About 120 visitors enjoyed the beauty of the open gardens in the Abbotsbrook on one of the loveliest days of the year. The Abbotsbrook is a private estate which was developed in late Victorian/early Edwardian days when the railway first came to Bourne End. It was laid out with a number of streams and pools eventually leading through "the smallest lock in the UK " to the Thames . It is no surprise then, that many of the gardens on show featured beautiful streams winding through and round them. Gardens varied from one with magnificent trees in a parkland setting to others with banks of herbaceous plants, boat houses and hidden places to explore. Wonderful vegetable gardens featured in some whilst another had a beautiful rose garden - this having been protected by a deer fence having been almost destroyed last year by the resident muntjacs.
One of the most significant gardens historically was that of Priory Ford, the house occupied by the original owner of Abbotsbrook who had had the vision to develop the estate. Perched over the surrounding streams is a thatched boathouse (see picture) in which Tom Stoppard gained inspiration and wrote "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead".
The gardens were open to Abbotsbrook residents and their friends and many people helped to run the day whilst others contributed the magnificent spread of cakes at the tea garden. With the modest entrance fee (£5 including tea), takings from plant and book sales and donations the Abbotsbrook was able to hand over £1,200 to Iain Rennie.
The event was in memory of Ann Irvine, a much loved Abbotsbrook owner who was a keen gardener. She died of cancer earlier this year and had been supported greatly towards the end of her illness by Iain Rennie nurses.
Provided by Sandra Garey, the above Report provides an interesting insight into the history of Abbotsbrook, together with details about the event which raised such a substantial amount for IRHH. We would like to thank Sandra, those who opened their gardens and everyone who spent an enjoyable afternoon around the gardens in memory of Ann and support of IRHH.
9th July 2009
