A local charity is marking the return of one of its most popular annual fundraising events by inviting people to enter an online competition for the chance to win an original painting by internationally acclaimed, Plymouth-based artist Brian Pollard.
Brian has donated the captivating land and seascape to St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth, of which he is a Patron, to help the charity launch its Open Gardens scheme for this spring and summer, following a hiatus to the event last year because of COVID-19 safety restrictions. The charming image also features on the cover of the flyer promoting the scheme, which sees kind-hearted owners of beautiful gardens across Devon and Cornwall throw open their gates in aid of St Luke’s and its specialist end of life care for local people with terminal illness.
Brian, who works from his Plymouth studio and regularly shares his new work on Instagram, enjoys visiting the gardens each year with his wife Jane. He said:
“As a former GP, I know just how needed St Luke’s is and the important difference it makes to local families at a very tough time. The Open Gardens scheme is one of the most enjoyable and inspiring ways people can show their support for the charity and help build its resilience for the future, and I’m delighted to be able to help by donating my painting as a competition prize.
“In it, I chose to highlight the beauty of the South Hams because St Luke’s care extends beyond Plymouth to people living in the rural surrounding areas, and the waves on the sea are a reminder of the therapeutic power of the water that surrounds our coast.”
This year’s Open Gardens season gets underway on April 18 with the opening of Lower Coombe Royal, near Kingsbridge, where eight acres of gardens and woodland await visitors. Next to open, on April 21, is Weir Cottage near Bere Alston followed on April 25 by country house Gnaton Hall, near Yealmpton, where visitors can discover stunning terraced lawns and walled gardens as well as peaceful woodland walks.
With more gardens set to be added to the programme over coming weeks, St Luke’s is also introducing a special event likely to appeal to young families in particular – its first-ever Open Farm. On August 4, South Battisborough Farm, on the road to Mothecombe Beach, will welcome visitors in aid of the charity, giving them the opportunity to see a working farm in action.
Also new is St Luke’s online booking system for Open Gardens and Open Farms, which has replaced the pay in-person on the day process of previous years. Tickets, which are £5 per adult, can be purchased at www.stlukes-hospice.org.uk/opengardens, where there are details of all the locations taking part in this year’s scheme.
