Norwich Bishop's garden raises £18k for charity

Each year, the Bishop of Norwich and Mrs James make their garden available to a variety of different local charities who apply to run an Open Garden event on Sunday afternoons, allowing people to enjoy the beautiful and ancient gardens in the shadow of Norwich Cathedral. Many charities serve delicious afternoon teas and run side shows to add to the fun. The exact amount raised by local charities was £17,937.04.
 
The  Bishop of Norwich, the Right Reverend Graham James said: “This was a very wet summer but many of our charity garden days were blessed with fine weather.  We welcomed several thousand people to our garden.  It's a pleasure to share it and to know that so many excellent local charities have raised so much money here as a result”. 
 
The Bishop’s Garden which is found in the centre of the city between St Martin at Palace Plain and the Cathedral remains one of the hidden gems of Norwich which more people discover year by year.

Head Gardener, Simon Gaches, said, “It’s been great to see the garden appreciated by so many visitors, many of whom haven’t been before. I’m really pleased to see local charities doing so well”.
 
There is a last chance to see the garden this year which is open on Thursday 6 and Friday 7 September from 10am – 4pm as a part of the Heritage Open Days.
 
Charities in 2012 were: Friends of the Norfolk and Norwich university Hospital, Mother’s Union, Friends of Parkside School, National Gardens Scheme, Edith Cavell Day Care, Rotary for Nelson’s Journey, Paul Cattermole Trust, Age UK, Musical Keys and the Wherry Yacht Charter Trust.
 
During the autumn, the Bishop will be considering applications from charities to run an Open Garden in summer 2013. Any charities who wish to apply must do so by the end of September and are advised to contact the Revd Simon Ward, Bishop’s Chaplain: 01603 614172 or bishops.chaplain@norwich.anglican.org