Our garden social events are always popular. Today, we visited a small garden in Sandhurst which opens through the NGS, although this year for private visits only. I had promised a group of 20, so to get 33, with no cancellations, was amazing. (I did ask for payments well in advance this year..... maybe that's the trick! 😉😂). Had it been awful weather we would have rescheduled, but we got lucky. Very lucky😎.
Leaders Sue, Jill and myself, had a done a recce of this garden in 2024, mainly to check out the cakes which the owner Sunil has gained quite a reputation for. We gave him 10/10 but didn't get around to visiting in 2025.
Sunil felt that April was a little early in the season to see his garden at it's best, but to wait for June, I felt that so many of us would be on holidays, so agreed it would be fine to visit now. He kindly reduced his normal entry of £10 to £7, which includes tea/coffee (bottomless pot), and a slice of cake. He also sells extra slices to takeaway for £4 extra, and I think he pretty much sold out, which is great, since the money (less expenses I presume) all goes to charity.
Sunil had contacted me about 3 weeks ago, to choose 5 cakes from a list of 12. SO difficult! But I think I chose well on everyone's behalf. 😂
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(photo by Sunil) |
We started from 5 locations, all with 20-25 mile loops..... with a plan to attempt to meet at Wellington College at 10.45 for a photo/video of everyone, then just 10 mins later to the garden. What could possibly go wrong?! 😊
Jill from Crowthorne. Her route headed North through Gorrick Woods, then to Finchampstead around California Park, up Wick Hill Lane then dropping down Dell Road and up Ambarrow Road to Crowthorne.
Sue from Cantley assisted by Rosie from Maidenhead. Sue headed first to Jennett's Park, then a loop of the TRL site, and to Wellington College after just 10 miles.
Rose from Ascot, accompanied by leaders Karen from Windsor, and Julie from Maidenhead, and also Caroline, a leader " in waiting". She came through Swinley Forest to Bagshot with lots of tracks. They returned using the Blackwater Valley cyclepath, with some wiggling around back to Bagshot.
Hazel from FBC planned her route over Eversley Ford, and through Bramshill Forrest towards Blackbush and a wiggle to Yateley, skirting the lakes through Darby Green to Sandhurst. (she met us at the garden)
Anne from Woosehill, assisted by Area Coordinator Rachel. Poor Rachel left home at 7.30 to get my house for just after 9. She only just made it. We headed to Sindlesham, and through Halls Farm tracks, then over Farley Hill (the hard way!) Soon up White Horse Lane, and also up Wick Hill Lane, to arrive in Crowthorne down Wellingtonia Avenue.
Let's just say, some leaders got there in good time, and others were a tad late, and someone had to be last... ME! 😂😂😂 Sorry!!
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| A big cheer as we finally met the others at 11.07. I blame the strong gusty winds. |
Knowing the garden layout, I was keen to get a group photo before we arrived with the backdrop of the trees in Wellington College grounds. I then also took some video of everyone riding, to include in my Breeze Spring 2026 film. (coming soon).
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| Sunil and his team of assistants. All a very slick operation. The National Trust could do with your advice!😉 |
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| Julie (still waiting her red shirt!), Karen, Rosie, Rose, Rachel Front. Hazel, Anne, Jill and Sue. |
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| the owner Sunil and the organiser, me. |
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| Lunaria or "honesty" plant in white and purple. |
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| Acers looking fresh. |
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| that looks like a serious discussion! |
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| Tables also on the lower lawn as well as the sun terrace. |
And some photos sent to me from Karen, Juliette and Hazel H.... (sorry my watermark is on them in error)
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| Rose, Karen, Julie and Caroline crossing from Ascot to Crowthorne on loads of tracks. |
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| Sue / Rosie with 8 riders arrived first, and Rose and team next. |
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| Nicki W, Coleen, Daphne, Jill and Barbara rode from Crowthorne. |
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| Not sure I spoke to many of this group. Too many ladies to get round everyone today. |
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| I said a few words of thanks to everyone for coming and introduced all the leaders "in waiting" to Rachel. |
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| Nicki W, Karen and Coleen (taken by Diane) |
Thank you once again, Sunil, for your wonderful hospitality, and for allowing us to mingle in your beautiful garden.