Surrey Hills based High Clandon Estate Vineyard known for its award winning sparkling wine joined forces with the National Garden Scheme and Cherry Trees children’s charity to open up their grounds for visitors, raising money for both good causes, Sunday 26^th July.

Before the doors had even opened, all 250 tickets had already been pre-booked online via the National Open Gardens (NGS) website. People keen to take advantage of the timed ticket slot system could see somewhere new after months of lockdown restrictions.

The Sunday, is the highpoint of an arts festival that makes up the fortnight that is ‘Art and Sculptures in the Vineyard’, incorporating the NGS and Cherry Trees fundraiser day. The private and scenic setting offers hillside views across to London’s city skyline, and attracts art, wine and nature enthusiasts alike, all able to comfortably socially distance outdoors.

Over 150 pieces of art, sculpture and paintings curated in the grounds, wildflower meadows and glass barn feature works drawing on a range of subjects, that are contemporary, playful and abstract, all produced in studios by artists from across the county using a range of materials and skilled techniques.

Owner of High Clandon Estate and Patron of Cherry Trees Sibylla Tindale organizes the event annually, had to introduce alterations to entry times, numbers and sanitizing measures in light of COVID-19, but welcomed people on site: "What a delight it was for us to see happy faces streaming through the doors of our atmospheric Glass Barn and out into our gardens, enjoying our delicious cuvée, the Cherry Trees cream teas and all the art on display. Importantly, it was such a show of support for Cherry Trees a tribute to the work they do.” 

Visitors were able to enjoy cream teas and cakes served by Cherry Trees staff and volunteers, with proceeds from the teas, raffle, and donations collected across the fortnight benefitting our charity which Sibylla and husband Bruce have supported for a number of years.

Charities across the UK have seen a summer of cancelled fundraising events, as a result of the coronavirus, leading to thousands of pounds in lost income. After hosting several virtual online fundraisers, this was the first ‘in-person’ event we have hosted of the summer thanks to more recent relaxing of government rules and considerable effort in the planning stages.

Jane Hunnable Head of Fundraising at Cherry Trees said; “We at Cherry Trees wanted to make sure we got this right. Every aspect of our staff, volunteer and visitor experience had been considered from a safety point of view. We did a lot in advance to read all up to date government policies, liaise with the NGS and adapt how we ran an event, putting in place a robust risk-assessment. We know how vital our charities work is and are proud to show people we are still here, open and running. All those cream teas go a long way in raising money for our short, fun and safe respite visits for children with disabilities. Thanks to everyone that came and to our Patron too.”

The total amount raised will be announced in the coming days, at the close of the arts fortnight. 

 

Thanks to the volunteers that gave up their sunday to come along and help us in our tea tent.