Asthall Manor Open Day

Thanks to the generosity of Rosie Pearson, the beautiful gardens of Asthall Manor were opened up for the day with all money raised going to the Oxford Samaritans.

Volunteers and supporters donated heaps of delicious cakes, scones (from Vaults & Gardens), brownies and flapjacks to the Ballroom Cafe, where tea, coffee, elderflower and apple juice were served.

It was a beautifully sunny day, with over 700 people visiting from all over the South of England and beyond to enjoy this quintessential English garden. We got the opportunity to spread the word about the brilliant work we do at Oxford Samaritans.

One Oxford Samaritans volunteer, Jenny, said about the day:

"It started with a scrumptious sticky chocolate slice which was delicious. Then the garden, cascading roses in full bloom - just wonderful. There were beds bursting with interesting plants, the croquet lawn with the wonderful views and my first sight of the wonderful trees. The amazing real wild flower meadow was a treat. Walking down long the woodland path past the bee house to the amazing tree houses and the barbecue hut by the pond.

This is a garden that has been and is loved. The tripod of sticks protecting a special plant in the croquet lawn, the ingenious planting of sweetcorn, beans and chard in the flower beds, the sweet peas climbing up the tennis court netting. The thoughtful placing of deckchairs and the beanbags around the lily pond encouraging us to sit and absorb the magic of this garden.

For me the star of the garden was the magnificent majestic copper beech.

A beautiful garden and a joy to visit."

By the end of the day we had raised a whopping £10,647.10 through tickets, cake sales and donations.

The Oxford Samaritans branch is run entirely by volunteers and is open 24/7, every day of the year.

• £120 runs the branch for a day
• £6000 trains 30 new volunteers and existing volunteers for a year
• £5 funds a call; a conversation that could save a life