Gardeners raised hundreds for Bromsgrove homeless scheme

Buy photos » Back row: David Morgan, Alan Nokes and John Morgan. Front row: Di Morgan, Janet Morgan, Jackie Hooper and Lynn Nokes. s.

A GROUP of gardeners from Bromsgrove have raised £300 to support local homeless people.

The six green-fingered donors have pledged the cash to the Bromsgrove Basement Project from proceeds made by visitors to their nationally recognised Marlbrook Gardens.

The three gardens, two on Braces Lane with the other on Birmingham Road, open once more tomorrow (Saturday) as part of the National Garden Scheme.

Money raised from sales will go towards the local homeless charity, with funds from entrance fees being put to national causes, including Macmillan and Marie Curie.

More than £25,000 has been raised from the trio of gardens in the last five years and this year, Barclays Bank is offering to match whatever is raised by the end of 2012.

Jackie Hooper, the manager of the Basement Project, said she was delighted with the support.

"Sadly the need for our work is actually increasing with the current financial climate, just at the same time that it becomes even more difficult to obtain grants.

"So we would hope that this gift might inspire other local people and organisations to take part in or run events on behalf of our work which is vital for the young people of the Bromsgrove and surrounding areas.”

The gardens are open from 6.30pm to 10pm and will be shown in a new light later in the evening when they will be illuminated. Entrance, which includes a free glass of wine, is £6.

Separate donations to The Basement Project based in Baptist Church, New Road can be made by calling Jackie on 01527 832 993.

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