THOUSANDS of people who visited the home of Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason over the weekend have helped to raise a record £84,000 to be split between two Wiltshire charities.

More than 7,000 attended the annual open gardens event at Nick and Annette Mason’s home at Middlewick House in Corsham on Saturday and Sunday (July 30 and 31).

Mr Mason took a break from touring with his new group, A Saucerful of Secrets, to attend the event, which has become a fixture in his annual calendar.

Proceeds from the event are donated to the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust, of which Mrs Mason is a vice-patron, and the Wiltshire Air Ambulance, of which the couple are both ambassadors.

Jennie Shaw, director of WBVT, said: “This year’s event raised a record £84,000 versus the £56,000 raised last year – an amazing response from the public for which both the WAA and Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust are extremely grateful.

“Our deepest thanks to Mr and Mrs Mason, who attended both days talking to the crowds and signing books etc.  Mr Mason made a break in his touring schedule to attend.

“Frankly, I am amazed at their generosity. The Masons are a private couple, yet now most of Wiltshire knows where they live!

“Each year they allow thousands of people a glimpse into their private space and beautiful gardens and are fully supportive of the local community.”

She added: “I must also thank their neighbours and all of those living on Middlewick Lane for coping with thousands of cars descending on their quiet lane one weekend each year. 

“The event has gone from strength to strength and this year not only will the lovely garden be on show, but also their animals and part of their car collection.

“It also boosts the local economy with the increased footfall who spend their money in local shops.

“I would also like to show my gratitude to Frank and Jordan Powell, Chippenham Rotary and all the wonderful volunteers who make the weekend possible.

“Also our thanks to the neighbours of Middlewick Lane without whose support the event could not take place.”

Wiltshire Air Ambulance director of fundraising and communications Barbara Gray said: “We can’t thank Nick and Annette enough for hosting this amazing event once more and we are so grateful to the thousands of people who turned up across the weekend. We would also like to thank all of our brilliant volunteers who helped out at the event.

“The money raised has beaten all previous records by some way and it’s a huge boost to our charity as we continue to save lives across Wiltshire, Bath and surrounding areas.”

As usual, visitors were able to seek close up Mr Mason’s collection of 30 classic and high performance cars, including McLarens and Ferraris.

They were able to browse around 42 stalls selling everything from plants to art and bat boxes as well as see the couple’s farm animals on their smallholding.