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.”
