Friends of Bushey Rose Garden

Dear ‘Friends of Bushey Rose Garden’,

We are unable to hold the Annual General Meeting, planned for this month, due to the Corona crisis . You all probably know that the Garden was closed during lock down as Hertsmere Parks and Gardens department was concerned that social distancing could not be maintained in a such a ‘confined’ space! Fortunately the garden is now open so, once again, it can be enjoyed by visitors ….our sincere thanks to Conor, for keeping the garden in such pristine condition.

This summer marks the 10th Anniversary of the the reopening of the Garden…..we had a programme of events planned to mark the occasion. Unfortunately we have had to cancel them all due to the current situation – but maybe, if restrictions are eased, we’ll be able to celebrate the anniversary sometime in the Autumn.

Below is the the Annual Report , May 2019 – May 2020.
Thank you for your continued support.

Kind regards,
Dian Brown.
Chair, Friends of Bushey Rose Garden.
Annual Report, Friends of Bushey Rose Garden.
May 2020.

The committee has met regularly throughout the year to plan a variety of community events, consider ways we can support Conor, the gardener, and provide additional features in the garden. During the year the Friends contributed towards the cost of a circular bench installed in the ‘Rose Temple’ on the front lawn and shelving in the ‘new’ shed, which was purchased during the previous financial year.

The beautiful surroundings the garden offers have been used ,frequently, for wedding and other photographic events, visited by groups from local schools, pre school and other local community groups. It continues to be an ideal location for artists.

The following events have been held by the Friends, Hertsmere, and local groups.
Since the last AGM :
Yoga sessions were held weekly, from May – September, subject to the weather! These were well attended and led by Mary McLellan . ( http://www.marymclellanyoga.com)

21st June – Jazz evening. Music was provided by Javajam. Several visitors brought picnics; additional refreshments were provided by ‘The Village Kitchen’ and the ‘Friends’ organised a bar! The weather could have been a bit warmer – but at least it didn’t rain!

4th July – Tea Party in the Garden. The event was part of Bushey Festival, the weather was perfect and we were completely overwhelmed by the number of visitors!

19th July – Conor and representatives from the committee attended the Hertfordshire Green Flag award ceremony. The Garden also received a Green Flag Heritage Site award.

12th August – Children’s ‘Circus Skills and Magic Show provided by Fizz Kids.
A successful , free event funded by the Friends.

18th August – the Rose Garden provided some children’s craft activities at Reveley Lodge Garden Party.

7th September – ‘Soul Seed’ ……. an event focused on bringing together art, music, talks and workshops with a focus on health and wellbeing.

29th October – Halloween! Pumpkin hunt and magic show provided by Kurtis at Fizz Kids. Another well attended event. Most of the children were in fancy dress and enjoyed a morning of fun.

8th December – Santa in the Rose Garden. Unfortunately it was a cold, very windy day …we had trouble preventing the gazebos from blowing away! Watford Brass band did its best to provide seasonal cheer but the weather won!

27th January – Quiz Night at the Blue Check Restaurant. This is our most profitable annual event. As always , enough tickets were sold to fill the restaurant and the generosity of participants, buying raffle tickets , ensured a boost to our finances!

The Easter Egg Hunt, planned for 7th April was cancelled due to the Corona virus ….but the date for our Halloween celebration , 29th October 2020, is already in the diary. We also hope to have another Quiz Evening , if possible, at Blue Check Restaurant during October .

Once again our sincere thanks to Conor for looking after the garden and keeping it looking so beautiful during every season. Our thanks too to the (few) volunteers who help in the garden regularly….offers of help are always welcome!

Diana Brown.
Chair, Friends of Bushey Rose Garden.
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