Gardens in the Ballroom

The speaker at the June session of our social tea ‘In The Ballroom’ on 11th was Dave Mills, a volunteer at Hill Close Gardens. He told how the prime plot overlooking Warwick Racecourse was developed into small private gardens in Victorian times, but by the late 20th century had become neglected and overgrown.

Most of the plots were saved from development by a campaign centring on the rare summer houses that are now listed buildings. The site is leased from Warwick District Council at a peppercorn rent by the Hill Close Gardens Charity. The gardens are rented by local people, and managed by a team of volunteers, with a host of events through the year including  gardening workshops, plays, snowdrop days and apple weekends. 

After the talk there was the usual tea, coffee and a selection of cakes, and the picture-quiz had a gardening theme.  

These popular socials on the second Wednesday of each month at 2pm cost just £3 to include the refreshments; (cash on the door please). It is essential to book your place in advance at the Visitor Information Centre, and if you find you can’t come, please let them know. 01926 492212.

The next session on July 9th has the intriguing title, ‘Discovering Marton Museum’s Countryside Bygones’.