HISTORY buffs and plant lovers are being invited to the 10th annual Dorothy House Hospice Care Snowdrop Open Garden event at Great Chalfield Manor in February.

The gardens at Great Chalfield Manor are closed for winter until April 1 and are being opened especially for this fundraising event for Dorothy House between 2pm to 4pm on Sunday, February 18 and the entry fee is £5.

Yvonne Brunton, Community Fundraiser for Dorothy House Hospice Care, said: “Regardless of the weather people make the most of the opportunity to visit this incredible garden and support Dorothy House, even if it means wellies and umbrellas!

“Our thanks to the generosity of Robert and Patsy Floyd for hosting the event for a tenth year and to the National Trust for giving permission for this fundraising event during their busy calendar of events.”

Last year, the event was attended by nearly 400 people and raised over £2,400 to support the work of the Hospice, which provides palliative and end of life care to people with a life-limiting illness from early diagnosis onwards.

A popular National Trust property, Great Chalfield Manor has been in the public eye lately since appearing in BBC TV dramas, Poldark and Wolf Hall.

The Arts and Crafts garden and private chapel will be open for the Open Day and home-made cakes, donated by Dorothy House volunteers are available to buy along with hot drinks.

The event gives local people a rare chance to visit this stunning property and garden during the winter months and see a fine display of snowdrops to usher in the first days of spring.

The best satnav postcode for directions to Great Chalfield Manor is SN12 8NJ. To find out more about the free support and care services offered by Dorothy House call 01225 722 988. If you'd like to volunteer or donate to the Hospice please call 01225 721 480 or visit www.dorothyhouse.org.uk.