Now celebrating its 20th year, Thetford Open Gardens (TOG) is once again raising vital funds for St Nicholas Hospice Care, with an ambitious £20,000 target.
The Thetford Open Gardens team – Image: ©neiljamesmedia.com
Since launching in 2006, Thetford Open Gardens has raised more than £170,000 for the hospice, growing steadily alongside the number of events organised by the volunteer team.
The initiative was founded by Barbara Neal and Liz Hodgson, both of whom have sadly since passed away. They were later joined by Rachel Woods, who served as Chair for 15 years before handing over to current Chair Karen-Emma White in 2020.
Sue Norman is now the longest-serving committee member, with 17 years of involvement, and is well known for the huge selection of homemade cakes served in her garden each year. Two gardens from the event’s earliest days, Lake House and The Paddock, will also be opening once again this summer.
St Nicholas Hospice Care supports people across the local community facing life-limiting illnesses and must raise around £9.3 million each year to continue providing its services – the equivalent of around £26,000 every day.
While some funding comes from statutory sources, much of the charity’s work depends on donations, fundraising events and volunteers such as the TOG team. Funds raised during the 2026 campaign will help support patient care both within the hospice and out in the community.
Among those helped by the hospice is Miranda Currie and her family. Following a bowel cancer diagnosis in 2007, Miranda was referred to the Family Support Team, where she received counselling and therapy support.
Five years later, after her mother was diagnosed with terminal bladder cancer, Miranda returned to the hospice and was reunited with counsellor Anne.
“Anne remembered me – every detail, every part of my story,” Miranda said. “That moment told me everything I needed to know about what kind of place this was. It wasn’t just about treatment; it was about being seen, remembered and supported.”
Miranda (front right) with her counsellor Sarah (front left) and Jenny from Family Support (behind)
In 2023, Miranda’s husband Richie was diagnosed with incurable pancreatic cancer, with St Nicholas Hospice Care once again helping support the family through one of the hardest periods of their lives.
“St Nicholas Hospice Care has been with me through three of the hardest chapters of my life,” she said. “My own illness, my mum’s death, and Richie’s final months. And they’re still with me now.”
There are many ways people can support TOG this year. Visitors can buy £1 Grand Draw raffle tickets or purchase an £8 programme to explore 36 private gardens across Thetford and Croxton on Sunday 28th June, while enjoying homemade cakes, refreshments and plant sales along the way.
To celebrate the 20th anniversary, this year will also feature a special afternoon concert on Sunday 16th August in King’s House Gardens, with live music, refreshments and more cake.
Programmes are available from Leaping Hare, Lawson’s, Thetford Garden Centre and participating gardens. For updates, visit the TOG Facebook page.
Would you like to own a piece of Mulberry history?
Karen and Mark have generously donated a stunning limited-edition otter sculpture by Richard Fisher. The sculpture comes with a certificate of authenticity and was originally owned by the late Stephen Saggers, fondly remembered by many for his warm welcome.
Blind bids start from £50 – please send your offers to: thetfordopengardens@gmail.com
