AS well as seeing beautiful gardens when they are open to the public, there is often the chance to see and maybe buy the work of a local artist, as at Hartpury when three gardens were open and Joe Wilks, who paints in oils, put two of his paintings for sale and donated his commission to the fundraising event for Hartpury Church and Hartpury Court Old Chapel.

Although it rained the gardens of Corsend Farm, Trevi and Brick House Farm all had visitors and with plants, teas and donations a very creditable £511.80 was raised.

Afternoon tea in the style of the Ritz Hotel, Piccadilly was held at the 'Hartpury Ritz' when sandwiches, cream scones, cakes and pastries and a choice of teas were served by 'waitresses'.

This lovely nostalgic afternoon created by Lillian Brewer and Eileen McGhee and raised a considerable sum for Church and Old Court Chapel.

Looking further afield the Christian Aid Week in the United Benefice of Hartpury, Corse & Stanton raise £711.47, an increase of £167 on last year.