A RECORD number of around 1000 gardening enthusiasts flocked to Hergest Croft Gardens on Bank Holiday Monday, for the Flower Fair and Spring Garden Auction, this year in aid of The St Michael's Hospice Redevelopment Appeal. The event was generously sponsored by Claridge Nursing Homes and Impact Print and Design

The world renowned Hergest Croft Gardens are managed by the Banks Family, Edward Banks, Lawrence Banks, being a former treasurer of the Royal Horticultural Society, and his wife Elizabeth Banks, a celebrated landscape architect.

The auction of lots included a garden consultation by Robert Myers, international landscape architect and winner of six RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medals and a future judge of the 2015 Chelsea Flower Show, a tea and a tour of the Gardens of Wigmore Abbey with the owners Mr and Mrs John Challis (as in 'Boycie' of BBC's Only Fools and Horses series) as well as a garden tour of Hergest Croft Gardens and lunch with Elizabeth and Lawrence Banks.

Peter Hensher and Edward Clive were auctioneers for the day, having so kindly stepped in at the very (literally) last minute, to replace Kate Bliss who had been taken ill. Peter and Ted did a brilliant job, managing to raise just under £4000 with the auction.

In total the tremendous amount of over £9,620 was raised for The St Michael's Hospice Redevelopment Appeal by this event.

St Michaels' Hospice is extremely grateful for all of this support.