One of Dorset’s longest-running village fundraising events will celebrate a major milestone this June as Cerne Abbas Open Gardens marks its 50th year.
The event began in 1974 (if the maths isn’t mathing, as the kids say, there was a pause for COVID) with a handful of gardens and a flower display in St Mary’s Church, raising money to restore the village bells. Since then it has grown into a fixture of the Dorset summer calendar, welcoming thousands of visitors and raising substantial sums for both village organisations and charities across the county. In 1984 organisers introduced a system whereby half the proceeds would remain within the village and half would support a wider Dorset charity. More than two dozen organisations have benefited over the years, with Weldmar Hospicecare among the longest-supported causes.
This year’s event takes place on 20th and 21st June, with around 30 private gardens opening their gates. The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has been chosen as the main external beneficiary, while funds raised within the village will support the Squibb Community Garden.
Last year’s event was the most successful in its history. Around 1,500 visitors came to the village, helping to raise £13,000 for Cerne Valley Cricket Club and Dorset Wildlife Trust. Nearly 100 residents were involved, from garden owners and ticket sellers to volunteers running the car park, plant stall and refreshments.
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore hidden gardens rarely open to the public, ranging from small cottage plots to larger landscaped spaces, while enjoying one of Dorset’s most historic and picturesque villages.
Half a century after it began as a modest church bell fundraiser, the event continues to bring together residents, gardeners and visitors in support of local good causes.
cerneabbasopengardens.org.uk
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