Gateway
In 2009, Surrey Gardens Trust joined the ‘Opening all the Gates’ programme, originally conceived by Betinna Harden in 2000, by extending access to historic parks and gardens to groups that would not otherwise have the opportunity. The idea was to introduce people to heritage gardens by providing tailor-made visits, admission, refreshment and a garden talk and tour. The visits need to be specially designed for each group taking into account their abilities and disabilities and thus to enable disadvantaged and adult learners from all walks of life to visit gardens who might otherwise not do so.
““The aim was to ensure the widest possible cross section of the community is able to access, discover and enjoy the leisure, activity and educational opportunities that these lovely places offer, connecting people with nature and informing them about their heritage. Just being in a garden makes people feel better and can offer wonderful spiritual therapy for those leading stressful lives.””
The Trust continues to provide funds for the programme through its membership subscriptions and events and these funds, combined with a small amount of fundraising, will ensure the continuation of this project for several more years. In addition, many garden owners generously waive entrance fees and provide sumptuous teas and refreshments for the visitors.
After two years of very limited activity the Gateway project has had a very successful 2022 with nine visits organised and only one cancelled due to staff Covid. They took place in scorching skies and downpours, it was a summer of contrasts. New users were the Halow Project based in Guildford and Parkside based in Aldershot who were able to bring their young adults as well as their Ladies Gardening Club. The Halow Project supports youngsters aged 16+ with a learning disability on their journey into adult life. Parkside provides support services to children and adults with autism or learning disabilities. Our regulars such as the Meath Epilepsy Charity in Godalming and Cherry Trees in West Horsley have also enjoyed visits.
The benefits of our visits are many and various. Watching the young and old interact in calm, welcoming and safe spaces, mostly led by generous and willing hosts, is a joy. The leaders and carers of our groups are to be applauded for their incredible enthusiasm, dedication and wisdom guiding their charges, introducing them to new experiences. The ladies of Parkside garden club in Aldershot, on their first visit ever to a garden, voted overwhelmingly to come again. The following simple quotes from youngsters after the Halow Project visit to Ramster are heart-warming.
Will - “I like looking at new things. It is amazing what Miranda had done with her garden. When you walk up and down again you get to look at lots of new things”.
Harriet - “I liked walking in the fresh air. I liked seeing the sheep in the field”.
Alex - “I loved the sculptures and seeing the dragon bench. But my favourite is the one like Maverick from Top Gun - the vulture”.
Ed - “There’s a lot of colour and the sculptures were interesting. I like the purple flowers in the Tennis Court Garden”.
Gardens visited this year were Sleepy Hollow, Loseley, Grattons, Ramster, Westbrook, Hydon End and West Horsley Place. Some are public gardens, others private, but in every case we were made welcome by the owner or head gardener who generously gave us their time, patience and wisdom. Splendid refreshments were on offer and always appreciated. We had visits in every month from May to September.
““The tangible pleasure that these visits generate is a humbling experience and a most worthwhile enterprise, especially for the small groups who come to our local gardens. I hope it can continue into the future demonstrating the pleasure and beauty of gardens and inspiring young and old to venture outside together.””