With the mid morning rain the event was transferred to the chapel grounds and in the hall as the playing field was rather wet and slippy. This did not stop a wide range of kids joining us for lots of silly games and events and even a few adults made their mark too. The children played games, like " Port andStarboard" and " Stick in the Mud". The weather cheered up and we went into the garden for cheerful races like the Obstacle Race and Egg and Spoon. Finally we had "Throw the Wellie" which was most amusing. The Bible story was about the feeding of the five thousand and then tea and cakes made a good re-enactment of the story! What a way to start the summer holidays. Our next Messy church will be near to Christmas.

A total of 12 gardens were open 1pm to 6pm both Saturday and Sunday. There were even some bonus gardens who opened at late notice to swell the numbers making the ticket price even better value. Despite the poorer start to Saturday the weather picked up and a glorious Sunday brought out the crowds to enjoy the beauty of the gardens. It would be remiss not to mention in particular, Jane, whose husband died a week before the event. She bravely remained in the programme and opened her garden in memory of Micky. It was a great favourite with visitors too. Refreshments were available both at the Chrystendale garden and the Methodist Chapel, where there was also a raffle and plant sale. Grateful thanks are due to the gardeners, volunteers, organisers and all who donated to the raffle, without you there would not have been an event. Altogether £2413.20 was raised which means that Birmingham Children’s Hospital gets £1206.60 and the Methodist Church gets the same amount to redecorate the church.

Here is a list of those who won raffle prizes at the Open Gardens
1st    Railway voucher                         Margaret Robinson          Over Whitacre
2nd    Gate  voucher                             Danny McKay                    Kingsbury
3rd    Rajrani voucher                           Liz Lockhart                       Shustoke
4th   Indian Lounge voucher               Sid Smith                            Whitacre
5th   Planters voucher                         Linda Potts                          Austrey
6th  Melbicks voucher                         Jean Whitehouse               Whitacre
7th    Wine                                             Tina Bates                           Tamworth
8th    Wine                                              Mr. Millar                           Coventry
9th   Wine                                               Terry Waters                        Whitacre
10th Wine                                              Pat Cumberbridge              Coleshill
11th Wine                                              Dave Williams                     Whitacre
12th Wine                                              Tracey                                   Whitacre
13th  Bird chimes                                 Mavis Coggins                      Whitacre
14th  Squirrel planters                         Jacky Adams                        Whitacre        
15th Pruners and gloves                     Linda Comfort                       Whitacre
16th Pruners and gloves                      Susan Slater                           Coventry
17th Gloves and planters                      Joy                                          Coventry
18th Scarf and purse                            Kit Bramley                             Coleshill
19th Scarf                                               Vivian Croft                            Coventry
20th   Long necklace                            Dave Hampton                        Kingsbury
21st   Short necklace                           Maureen Gascoigne               Coleshill
22nd   Cosmetics                                  Maxine                                     Whitacre