You are here: / / / June

Corbridge in Full Bloom: Open Gardens Event Raises Over £3,000

Corbridge in Full Bloom: Open Gardens Event Raises Over £3,000 for Local Good Causes

Over 330 people were welcomed at the 2025 Corbridge Open Gardens charity event with 17 dazzling gardens open to the public.

The afternoon showcased a wide variety of green spaces from well-established cottage gardens and larger areas to creative smaller plots. All generously opened by local residents.

The event raised £3120 to be shared equally between local charities The Charlotte Straker Project, a non-profit care facility in the village, and the Corbridge Community Partnership. Both charities helped to organise and stage the Open Gardens. Supported by local volunteers and community groups, including the Corbridge Gardening Society and Corbridge in Bloom.

Also welcoming visitors to the Open Gardens HQ at the Corbridge Community Hub where volunteers supplied tea, coffee, cake and savouries. Generous donations from recipients added significantly to the total raised (pictured below).

A popular addition this year was a plant sale run by the Tynedale Horticultural Service (NCC) which provides work experience opportunities for adults with learning disabilities. Their involvement added extra value to the event, reinforcing the community focus and offering visitors the chance to support another local initiative.

Taking place the same weekend as the St Andrew’s Church Flower Festival in Corbridge – one of the many events marking the church’s 1350th anniversary – the Open Gardens also formed part of a wider community celebration. Highlighting the rich heritage and community spirit of Corbridge.

Funds raised for Charlotte Straker will go towards the charity’s Development Fund supporting ongoing improvements to care and facilities. The Corbridge Community Partnership will also benefit. With funds supporting its varied community work based at the Hub in Princes Street.

Steve Adams, CEO at Charlotte Straker, commented “This was a well organised and well supported event that brought the village together. We are grateful to all the garden hosts, volunteers and visitors who made it a success. It was a good example of what can be achieved when local organisations work together.”

David Crompton Chair Corbridge Community Partnership shared “It is wonderful when people make a difference in their community. That is exactly what happened with the Open Gardens event. To the many people who visited the gardens we were thankful for your donations your generosity inspires us every day. For the amazing efforts of all the volunteers and garden owners we appreciate your support more than words can express. Despite the wind and rain your enthusiasm shone through to support our local charities.”

 

Charity Cricket Afternoon Hits a Six

Charity Cricket Afternoon Hits a Six Raising Over £1,100 for Corbridge Good Causes

The sun shone (at times!) on Corbridge as the long-awaited Charity Shield Cricket Afternoon took place on Sunday 1 June, raising an impressive £1,113.74 in support of local good causes: The Corbridge Youth Initiative, The Charlotte Straker Project and Corbridge Cricket Club. After weather-related cancellations in both 2023 and 2024, this year’s cricket afternoon was a resounding success, bringing the Corbridge community together for a day of sport, food, fun and live music.

Hosted by Corbridge Cricket Club, the day featured 8-a-side softball cricket, a lively quoits competition, homemade teas in the Pavilion, and a BBQ and live music running into the evening. Locals turned out in great numbers to enjoy the atmosphere and show their support for local charities.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the charity cricket match such a fantastic afternoon. Special mention goes to Chris Nevis, Trustee of Corbridge Youth Initiative, who played a key role in bringing the day together. The funds raised will be shared between both charities.

We look forward to more events in the future with the success of 2025 setting a new standard, the Charity Shield Cricket Afternoon is once again a highlight on the Corbridge calendar.

Warm Welcome at Volunteer Coffee Morning

A Warm Welcome at Our Community Coffee Morning ☕

We were delighted to welcome so many friendly faces to our recent Community Coffee Morning at Charlotte Straker House.

The event brought together residents, volunteers, and local visitors for a morning of laughter, delicious homemade cakes, and engaging conversation. It was heartening to see such strong interest in the work we do — and particularly exciting to welcome several new volunteers who signed up to get involved.

A special thank you goes to our wonderful team of volunteers, who helped host the morning and shared their experiences of being part of the Charlotte Straker community. We’re already looking forward to the next coffee morning and hope to see even more new faces there!

Interested in joining our volunteer team? Find out how you can get involved and make a real difference: Volunteers – The Charlotte Straker Project

Blencathra hike raises over £900

Charlotte Straker House Staff Raise £970 with Blencathra Climb

A team of dedicated staff from Charlotte Straker House has successfully completed their ambitious climb of Blencathra in the Lake District, raising an incredible £970 for the charity’s Development Fund.

The group tackled the steep and challenging peak last week, overcoming tough terrain and unpredictable weather to reach the summit, all in support of enhancing the lives of residents at the Corbridge-based care home.

“It was a tough climb, but knowing we were doing it for our residents kept us going,” explained Home Manager, Sam Willis. “We’re so grateful for the support we received, it really spurred us on.” The money raised will go directly into the Development Fund, which provides funding for extra activities, outings and experiences that enrich day-to-day life at Charlotte Straker House.

Steve Adams, CEO of Charlotte Straker House, praised the team’s commitment: “We’re so proud of our staff for completing such a physically demanding challenge. Their dedication truly represents the spirit of life at our home, always going above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of those we care for. The £970 raised will have a lasting impact.”

A special thank-you goes to Angela and Karen, who organised the walk, provided first aid and refreshments, and kept everyone motivated throughout the challenge. Their support was instrumental in making the day such a success, and they are a truly valued part of the Charlotte Straker team.

Charlotte Straker House is a not-for-profit residential and nursing care home known for its high standards of care and a strong focus on resident wellbeing.

While the challenge may be over, donations can still be made via the team’s JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/hike-for-charlotte-straker

Every pound raised helps bring more joy and opportunity to the residents, ensuring they continue to live full and rewarding lives.