Thetford Open Gardens (TOG) is back for its 19th year on Sunday 22nd June, raising vital funds for St Nicholas Hospice Care.
With a fundraising target of £15,000, the event is a key date in Thetford’s community calendar, showcasing beautiful gardens while supporting hospice care for local families.
The hospice needs around £8 million annually to operate, with a large portion coming from fundraising and donations. This year’s target is especially important, as a key funding stream from Norfolk and Waveney ICB has ended. All funds raised in 2025 will be ringfenced for Thetford, ensuring continued care for those who need it most.
TOG Chair Karen-Emma White explained: “£80,000 doesn’t sound like much for a town the size of Thetford, but St Nic’s make every penny count.”
St Nicholas Hospice Care supports individuals and families through illness, death, and grief. One Thetford family who benefitted from their support was the Oatridge family. When Mark Oatridge received a terminal diagnosis, he wanted to stay at home rather than go into hospital or a hospice. The Community Specialist Team stepped in to support Mark, his wife Alison, and their daughters. “They were amazing,” said Alison. “If I needed anything, they brought it. They were always there when I had questions or doubts.”
Fundraising efforts have been well underway in the run-up to Sunday’s event. A recent curry night at New Saffron on White Hart Street raised £1,177 for the cause. Over sixty guests attended, enjoying a two-course meal and blind raffle. The most anticipated prize was the Bag of Excitement, awarded with a round of applause. Restaurant owner Shipon Miah said: “It’s a real honour to be able to support St Nicholas Hospice Care and the people of Thetford.”
Thetford Open Gardens Chair Karen-Emma White added: “New Saffron have enabled us to raise over £1,000, which will make a huge difference to our final total for St Nic’s.”
TOG’s annual Plant Sale also returned this year, taking place on Saturday 10th May at 28 Arlington Way. Organised by Sue and a team of green-fingered volunteers, the sale offered plants, homemade scones, and gardening advice. Proceeds from the sale now form a significant part of the overall fundraising total.
“We are really grateful to everyone who donates plants or helps on the day,” said Karen-Emma. “We have a brilliant team of keen gardeners who help out and are happy to share their plant knowledge and suggestions for filling those awkward gaps in your borders.”
The TOG team have also worked hard to secure a range of raffle prizes this year, including a Rhino cold frame worth £495, RHS Hyde Hall tickets, vouchers from local businesses, and hampers. Lawsons Estate Agents, Thetford Garden Centre, Colour Print and About Thetford magazine are the main sponsors of the 2025 campaign.
George Chivers, Community Fundraising Manager at the hospice, added: “The money raised fuels our hospice cars, provides medical equipment, and supports families. TOG and the local community play a huge part in making that possible.”
Visitors to Sunday’s event can expect to see a wide selection of gardens, from well-established favourites to first-time entries. Over 50 cakes are being prepared by baking extraordinaire Suzanne Norman, and Mal from Turner Funerals will once again be firing up his popular Aussie BBQ. A flower festival and botanical art exhibition at St Cuthbert’s Church will also be on display, organised by Rachel Woods.
Tickets are available at Leaping Hare in King Street and Thetford Garden Centre, cash only. Tickets are also available from select gardens on the day, but they are first come first served!
To find out more, follow ‘Thetford Open Gardens’ on Facebook.
