This year’s calendar of Thetford Open Gardens (TOG) events is underway, with the team aiming to raise £20,000 for their 20th anniversary.
New Saffron on White Hart Street recently hosted another highly successful curry night, helping to raise an impressive £1,150.00 for Thetford Open Gardens as part of its 20 for 20 fundraising campaign, in support of St Nicholas Hospice Care.
Renowned locally for its consistently high-quality dishes, New Saffron continues to showcase the vibrant flavours of Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine. For this special evening, 58 guests gathered to enjoy a two-course meal and a lively blind raffle with 20 fantastic prizes, each generously donated by local businesses, organisations and supporters including Thetford Garden Centre, Coach Services, Warren, Tall Orders, the BTO, South Suffolk Agricultural Association, New Saffron, Croxton Fish Bar and Lawsons Estate Agents.
The excitement in the room built steadily as prizes were drawn, with the ever-popular Bag of Excitement once again proving to be the highlight of the night. A further moment of celebration came when the New Saffron team themselves won the Rise and Shine hamper, prompting cheers from guests and staff alike.
Chef and owner Shipon Miah said he was proud to contribute to Thetford Open Gardens and to support the wider local community for the second year running. Guests also shared their appreciation, praising the food, atmosphere, and the chance to reconnect with old friends whilst supporting a good cause.
Thetford Open Gardens’ team thanked New Saffron, all prize donors, and everyone who attended, describing the evening as a wonderful start to their 20th anniversary fundraising campaign.
The next Thetford Open Gardens event is the annual Plant Sale on Saturday 9th May, running from 9am to 3pm at 28 Arlington Way, Thetford, IP24 2DZ. The event is cash only, and tickets for this year’s Open Gardens Day will be on sale alongside Grand Draw tickets. The raffle features a fantastic range of prizes, including a £400 Rhino voucher, £100 worth of Thetford Garden Centre vouchers, afternoon tea at the Assembly House, and a selection of hampers and vouchers donated by local businesses and supporters. This year’s main sponsors are Lawsons Estate Agents, Thetford Garden Centre, Colour Print, and About Thetford magazine.
The regular plant sale stall at 28 Arlington Way will be filled with a wide variety of plants, with proceeds continuing to support St Nicholas Hospice Care.
A team of enthusiastic and knowledgeable gardeners will be on hand to help, offering advice and suggestions for filling gaps in your garden borders. If you are lifting or dividing plants, donations are always welcome, and pots are available at 28 Arlington Way if needed.
“We are really grateful to everyone who donates plants or helps on the day,” said Sue Norman, plant sale organiser. “It’s always a fun event and a great chance to pick up a bargain while supporting St Nic’s.”
Tickets for this year’s Open Gardens event on Sunday 28th June will go on sale from the first weekend of May at Leaping Hare and Lawsons (cash only) on King Street, as well as Thetford Garden Centre (cash only). There will be a mix of new gardens alongside old favourites.
Tickets for Thetford Open Gardens can also be purchased from 5th May at the Leaping Hare, or with cash at Lawsons Estate Agents and Thetford Garden Centre.
Last year St Nicholas Hospice Care supported over 105 people and their families in Thetford with high-quality, specialist palliative care, emotional and practical support, so that no-one in West Suffolk and Thetford has to face dying, death and grief alone.
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
