On Saturday 29 June, West Tarring Allotments is offering visitors a guided tour of the vast green space as part of the Open Gardens initiative, being held by local charity, Care for Veterans.
Open Gardens is one of many events organised by the Worthing-based charity this year, as it celebrates its 100 year anniversary.
These allotments are owned by the Council but are run by a committee of volunteers, who are responsible for the general upkeep of the sites. Much emphasis is put on creating a good environment for humans and wildlife. It is a peaceful, but vibrant place.
The guided tour gives visitors a chance to see for themselves the skill, endeavour and creativity in the open air. During the tour, they will visit the horticultural shop, the wildlife area, ‘a secret garden’, learn about beekeeping from local experts, and meet the working party.
See how people use scrap and plastic in useful and fun ways and finish off on the communal plot for tea, coffee and homemade cake.
Fundraising Manager at Care for Veterans, Antonia Shepherd, explains,
“Open Gardens is a really simple but effective way to support our charity. We are very grateful to the volunteers at West Tarring Allotments for allowing visitors to come and see all of the hard work they do. The guided tours are a great opportunity for experienced or novice gardeners to come and learn more about running their own allotment or growing your own produce.”
Tours start at 10am on Saturday 29 June, and spaces must be booked in advance. There’s also a £5 minimum donation to pay on entry. For more information, including details of other Open Gardens, or to book your allotment tour, contact Antonia on 01903 218444 or visit www.careforveterans.org.uk
About Care for Veterans
Care for Veterans (formerly The Queen Alexandra Hospital Home) was established in 1919 – the charity celebrates its centenary this year.
Care for Veterans is a registered charity, providing care and rehabilitation for physically disabled ex-Service personnel and their families. Our residents’ needs are complex and many have multiple disabilities. Many have an Acquired Brain Injury and some have neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s or Multiple Sclerosis. Others are paralysed or do not have use of their limbs and some are terminally ill. We support on average 140 residents a year.
We care for up to 60 residents at any one time.
Our residents are aged between 34 and 100.
Our residents represent the tri-services: Royal Navy, Army and RAF.
Services at Care for Veterans include nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, an active social and recreation department, rehabilitation kitchen, a chaplaincy service, counselling, IT facilities, a rehabilitation garden, sensory room, function room, and regular outings on our specially adapted coach.
With no regular government funding, Care for Veterans must raise over £1.9 million each year to maintain its nursing and rehabilitation services for ex-Servicemen and women.
