Geoffrey Udall Centre
The first-ever Thrive Garden Festival on Saturday 25 June was a roaring success as 600 people took the chance to enjoy the fun and find out more about the work of Thrive at Trunkwell Garden Project, Beech Hill, near Reading.
Billed as having ‘something for everyone’, the Festival truly lived up to the expectation, with 20 garden-themed stalls selling food, plants and crafts, garden tours, competitions, a nature trail, children’s activities and live music and refreshments. As one visitor said:
“What a lovely day! Everything was just right – the stalls, the music, the face painting for the kids… It was well worth a visit!”
Visitors got a real taste of a bygone era as they took a nostalgic look back at the Land Girls and the Dig For Victory Campaign. They even had the chance to sample genuine wartime recipes of vinegar cake and carrot cookies! There was also a display describing Trunkwell Garden Project through the years since the estate was given to Thrive in 1988.
The Festival raised an impressive £2,100 towards the ‘Secret Garden’ for children with disabilities and adults with dementia, which Thrive wants to build at Trunkwell Garden Project. Plans for the garden were on display at the event.