A Rather Special Garden
The Homestead
Bottesford has many keen gardeners and attractive gardens, but only one garden has the distinction of having been accepted for the National Gardens Scheme. The Homestead, in Normanton, opens early in March for visitors to admire the first flowers of Spring, especially the snowdrops and helibore, growing in an informal woodland setting. Shirley Palmer and her husband John specialise in growing unusual hardy and half-hardy perenials, with dozens of varieties of hosta and sempervivum, as well as paeonies, asters and iris. They are responsible for the National Collection of Heliotropes.
The Nationanal Gardens Scheme was founded in 1927 to raise money for the Queen’s Nursing Institute by opening gardens of quality and interest to the public.Over 3,000 gardens are opened every year, raising 2 million pounds for charity and giving pleasure to hundreds of thousands of visitors.
For more information about gardens open for charity go to www.ngs.org.uk
The Homestead will be open again in September in aid of the Red Cross Society.
Phillip Brewster
AB A/SG DEMS Gunner P/JX335909, Royal Navy - SS Oporto
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This was my home from the age of 3 to 21 and also that of my cousin Denis Staniford who has recently died.
Dear Audrey, Thank you for getting in touch. We are very sorry to learn that Dennis Stanford has recently died. His contribution to the site of the 1928 Bottesford School photograph was greatly appreciated. If you have any recollections you would like to share of his and your life in Normanton and the parish we would be most grateful to publish them. For example, as part of marking the Centenary of the 1st World War we are recording recollections and memorabilia from current and former parish residents who had any contact with families who lived in the area during that period. Kind regards, David
We are so sorry to hear about Denis Staniford’s death. He visited us once and told us about his life in Normanton. He was a delightful man to have met, and we offer our sincere condolences to his family. Neil Fortey and Catherine Pugh, Bottesford.
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