Eden Valley Messenger

GARDEN TRAIL DONATES TO 10 LOCAL CHARITIES

GARDENERS in Kirkby Stephen are supporting 10 local charities, thanks to the success of the 2009 Kirkby Stephen Garden Trail.

At a presentation held in the towns Sport and Social Club last night, October 7 secretary of the garden trail, Mike Walker handed out £1,000 - £100 to each charity.

Each charity received a cheque for £100; Kirkby Stephen Primary School Gardening Club was represented by pupil Emma Simpson, Stainmore Railway Company by Derek Thompson, Eastside Project by Chris Solf, Great North Air Ambulance by Jan Hawkins, Kirkby Stephen Brownies by Brownie Jane Chapman, Kirkby Stephen Cub/Scout Group by Scout Edward Higgs Kirkby Stephen Mountain Rescue Team by Mike Sayer, Eden Mencap by Peter Cartmel, Kirkby Stephen New Christmas Lights by Joan Johnstone and Kirkby Stephen Swimming Club by Hayley Chapman.

Joan Johnstone thanked the Garden Trail Committee on behalf of all the recipients for the donations.

One weekend in July every year the people of Kirkby Stephen and Hartley open up their gardens, and display their tubs and window boxes as part of the Garden Trail. This year 31 gardeners opened their gates to visitors who paid £3 for the guide map and entry. Businesses, charities and schools also take part in the event, and this year the pupils from Kirkby Stephen Primary school displayed their new fruit and vegetable plot which they created from a concrete outdoor area, and Stainmmore Railway Trust had their new outdoor picnic and wildlife garden for visitors to enjoy.