This year’s Secret Gardens was another huge success for the Oxton village community. The chief organisers Kirsty Cotton and Lisa Stafford, deserve huge praise for putting on an event that utilises nearly 200 volunteers, sponsors, entertainers, artists, food hubs and street stalls. Their co-ordination of everyone involved ensured a brilliant day being enjoyed by over 5000 people. Nearly 4,000 people bought tickets to visit a wide array of gardens whilst many others just joined in the general festivities in the village – which is a huge boost for our local businesses.
Ticket sales came to about £32,000. The raffle and the refreshments at Prenton Prep made over £5,000. Together with rental for the stalls and other donations the event brought in about £42,000
Expenses came to about £8,000, including the road closure (£1,500) toilets, buses, St John’s (£500). This left about £33,850 for distribution between the Oxton Society and our partner charities.
Whilst we all enjoyed the day helped by perfect weather, what many people do not realise is that local charities benefit hugely from this event. Our partner charities, who assist in running the event, receive a share of the profits. So, this year, £33,850 will be distributed between Open Door – Birkenhead, Woodcraft Folk – Wirral, Stick ‘n’ Step and the Oxton Society. The Friends of the Arno also raised £1,400 from their plant stall.
None of this would happen, of course, without the owners of the 19 gardens that opened – so it is to those generous gardeners that we say a massive “Thank you” for allowing their gardens to be visited by thousands of people.
If you were one of the many people who helped to make this event run smoothly, you can be proud of what, together, you have achieved.