Walsham-le-Willows welcomes visitors for 40th anniversary edition of Open Gardens event

Residents of Walsham-le-Willows welcomed visitors into their village over the bank holiday weekend for the 40th anniversary edition of their annual Open Gardens event.

The event, held last Sunday and Monday, encourages homeowners to open up their gardens for the enjoyment of the wider public.

Forty-five gardeners participated this year.

In addition, pizza and a barbecue were on offer

An exhibition of classic and vintage cars proved a major draw.

Organiser John Stebbing said: “The weekend went down a storm - it was fantastic.

“On both days, the car park was completely full, and everyone was going home happy. So our job was done!”

A family of tortoise-lovers were among those opening their gardens this year, and Mr Stebbing said their contribution was particularly appreciated by visiting children.

Musical accompaniment was provided by the Breckland Brass Band and the Gislingham Silver Band at the Memorial Village Hall.

Proceeds raised from the occasion are going towards the maintenance of St Mary’s Church.

The Hoxon Hundred and the Haughly Hoofers Morris troop also showed up for some traditional entertainment.

Over the course of the event’s history, more than £270,000 has been raised towards this cause.

This year’s takings have yet to be tallied up, but Mr Stebbing believes this may have been one of the biggest Open Gardens weekends yet.