Community invited to step into the historic gardens at Sue Ryder hospice and discover the story behi

Date: Sunday 21 June

Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice will once again open its gardens to the public this June as part of the National Garden Scheme, giving visitors the chance to enjoy the beautiful grounds.

This year’s event on Sunday 21 June will be made even more special by the launch of a third-edition book celebrating the hospice’s history. The publication by Eric Miller, a Leckhampton resident for more than 50 years, highlights the hospice’s lasting impact on its local community.

Eric, a founding member of the Leckhampton Local History Society (the book’s official publisher), said: “It was originally my wife Margaret’s idea to write the book as a fundraising venture. The first edition came out in 2002, followed by the second in 2011. It has been out of print for some time, and I am delighted to launch the latest version at the annual National Garden Scheme event.”

Eric continued: “Like many other local residents, my wife and I both volunteered when the hospice opened. We helped in all sorts of ways in the fundraising office, and I came across a lot of documents, photo albums and memorabilia, which I sorted and catalogued before taking the most important items to the Gloucestershire Archives for safekeeping. These findings, plus more recent research and work by other members of the society, form the basis of the book, which now also includes many illustrations in colour.”

Based just outside Cheltenham in the foothills of the Cotswolds, Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice as we know it today provides expert, compassionate palliative and end-of-life care, as well as bereavement support for the local community.

As well as having the opportunity to learn more about the history of Grade II* Listed Cotswold manor estate, visitors to the open garden event can spot the grounds’ latest additions including the new duck house on the lake; take in the beauty of the Bluebell Wood, marvel over the kitchen garden created by volunteers to source the hospice kitchen, while enjoying the beautiful embankment funded by NGS and designed by RHS Chelsea Flower Show, gold-medal-winning designer Peter Dowle.

Daniel Cheesman, Regional Director for Healthcare Operations (Sue Ryder Southwest), said: “Our gardens are an integral part of our offering – a sanctuary for patients, their families and friends, staff, volunteers and the wider community. We’re really looking forward to welcoming visitors in June, as well as Eric, a long-time supporter of our hospice who has put so much time into creating his book to create a unique and heartfelt representation of our historic hospice.”

Children attending the open garden event can enjoy the new play equipment installed earlier this year. Families are also welcome to picnic on the hospice’s back lawn while taking in breathtaking views towards Cheltenham, Gloucester and the Malvern Hills.

Tea, coffee, cake and plants will be available to buy, with all proceeds supporting Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice’s palliative care and bereavement support services. Eric’s book, Manor House to Hospice, will also be available to purchase.

The grounds will be open from 11 am. to 4pm. Tickets cost £6 per adult, and children can attend for free. For more information and to book a visit, go to findagarden.ngs.org.uk.

For more information about Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, visit www.sueryder.org/leckhamptoncourt.

 

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Sue Ryder - Leckhampton Court Hospice

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