Bray summer events to support Thames Hospice

Visitors to the picturesque village of Bray, in Berkshire, are in for a treat on Sunday 1 July 2018, as two stunning events will bloom and Thames Hospice is one of the beneficiary charities.

Between 2pm and 5pm, Bray Open Gardens will allow horticultural enthusiasts will be able to explore around 10 private gardens. As the sun sets on the open gardens, St Michael's Church will play host to fundraising concert, Gardens in Words and Music, from 8-9pm.

Bray residents, Chris and Julie Graham, are organising both events together with the events' Patron Graham Barker, High Sheriff of Berkshire. The events will raise vital funds for Thames Hospice and The Friends of St Michaels Church, Bray.

Graham Barker says: "I am delighted to be patron of Open Gardens in Bray on Sunday 1^st July 2018 which is raising money for such good causes: Thames Hospice and the Friends of St Michaels Church, Bray. My themes, as High Sheriff of Berkshire this year, are Community, Compassion and Culture. The Open Gardens, combined with the concert on the evening of 1^st July, combines all three of these themes. I am hugely grateful to the following: those who will be opening their gardens; those who are performing in the concert and, not least, all the volunteers who have helped organise this community event - especially Chris and Julie Graham."

In addition to the gardens, St Michaels Church, the Church Tower, Jesus Hospital quadrangle and the Lich Gate Garden will also be open to visitors. Car parking will be available on the Village Green, courtesy of Bray Parish Council, and teas will be served in St Michaels Church Hall and at Jesus Hospital.

Alison Evans, Head of Community and Events Fundraising at Thames Hospice, said: "We are honoured that Gardens in Words and Music and Bray Open Gardens will help raise vital funds for us. Outdoor space is at the heart of hospice care, with gardens having such a positive impact on the physical and mental health of people with life-limiting illnesses. We are thrilled to be part of this beautiful event thank you!"