Gardener, broadcaster and novelist, Alan Titchmarsh will be presenting an evening of gardening prose, poetry and anecdotes at The Crown Hotel in Blandford on Thursday 19 November at 7pm. Sponsored by The Gardens Group, this special event will raise money for the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) The Soldiers’ Charity, which was set up in 1944 to support serving soldiers, veterans and their families.
The event is also being supported by Gillingham-based Orchard Park, with the two garden centre businesses joining forces to help ABF The Soldiers’ Charity raise as much money and awareness as possible. Mike Burks, managing director of The Gardens Group, said: “It is always a pleasure to support such a worthy cause, so we’re absolutely delighted to be involved in this high profile local event that will shine a spotlight on the fantastic work done by ABF The Soldiers’ Charity. We’re really looking forward to giving Alan Titchmarsh a warm welcome to Dorset and listening to what I’m sure will be a fascinating talk.”
Alan explained: “I have always loved Dorset, it evokes many happy memories for me, family holidays spent away from the pressures of life, with its Jurassic coast line, timeless landscape, historic old towns, magnificent gardens, ale and the tales of Hardy. It is a great pleasure to be returning to support a particularly special charity, which is close to my heart. As Commissioner of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, Home of the Chelsea Pensioners, I have the pleasure of meeting many a distinguished old soldier who has served the nation, therefore it is a pleasure to help all of the volunteers involved in Dorset ‘do their bit’ for such a worthwhile cause. I hope to see many gardening enthusiasts there.”
Tickets are available from Blandford, Sherborne and Dorchester Tourist Information Centres, as well as ABF The Soldiers’ Charity’s office in Exeter on 01392 496412 or at southwest@soldierscharity.org. Advanced booking is advised and doors will open at 6:15pm on the night.
