Summer Open Garden – a perfect afternoon
Jeremy Tomlinson – Chair of the Friends of Steyning Parish Church
The organisation was immaculate and the atmosphere extremely convivial. The weather also adapted itself to our needs if not to solving the drought. The cream tea was delicious and there was a happy blend of horticulture, fine art and gossip which made for a very agreeable afternoon. The occasion was very beneficial for the Friends of the Church and it was good to see so many supporters there.
A fun, informative, and extremely sociable afternoon was enjoyed by around 70 people at the summer open garden afternoon on Sunday 16 August at Rosebank in Jarvis Lane. Over £1,400 was raised to help with essential repairs for the church and also to help improve it as a community venue.
Questions around gardening in a drought were top of the agenda for the team of gardening and horticultural experts giving the audience of some 45 people the chance to pick up a very wide range of practical tips. On the panel were Sue Reed, Alex Bell, Lynne Broome and Debbie Chalmers – with Elisabeth Harden in the Chair.
Professional artist, Suzy Barnard, opened her studio in the barn at Rosebank and displayed her beautiful and exuberant seascape paintings alongside more recently created garden scenes .
Penny Reeve, who created the much-loved sculpture of St Cuthman which sits opposite the church, fascinated the audience with the story of her inspiration for the design and how she created it. Additionally, Elisabeth Harden’s sensitive watercolour paintings of the church interior and landscapes of the countryside in Palestine were on display and enjoyed by everyone.
Sarah Leigh explained how she was given ‘Cleft’, the 7’ high sculpture in her garden, on her retirement from London solicitors, Leigh Day, and welcomed suggestions from the audience about where it might be best relocated in her garden.
With a delicious home made cream tea for all and lots of bargains on the plant stall, it proved a highly successful and enjoyable afternoon for The Friends of the Church and the local community.
Big thanks to the organising team and the many hands who helped on the day – and last , but not least, to Sarah Leigh for opening her home and garden to welcome so many people.
