News Article

 

NGS Open Garden organiser nominated in Tourism Awards

 

Norfolk National Gardens Scheme County Organiser, Anthea Foster has been nominated as one of three finalists in the People’s Award in the EDP “Tourism in Norfolk Awards”.

Anthea Foster’s garden at Lexham Hall, near Litcham, was first opened for the NGS by her parents-in-law over forty years ago and the garden now launches the new “open garden season” in Norfolk each year with its snowdrop walk. She is the Norfolk County organiser who coordinates the activity of each district organiser and their gardens. Collectively funds are raised from the open gardens for the National Gardens Scheme. Over 3600 gardens in England and Wales are open for the charity each year, nearly seventy open in Norfolk. The gardens are renowned for their high standard of quality, character and interest. Many of the gardens are privately owned providing the visitor with the opportunity to peep over the garden gate. Charities supported include:

Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Crossroads Care and Help the Hospices, The Queen’s Nursing Institute, The Royal Fund for Gardeners’ Children, NGS gardeners’ careership (the National Trust) and Perennial - Gardeners’ Royal Benevolent Society.

Founded in 1927, The NGS has raised more than £25 million for charity in the last 10 years.

Anthea was nominated for the award by the Norfolk NGS. Knowing of the commitment and the modesty of Anthea in her role as county organiser for the last sixteen years, it was felt recognition of her achievements should be acknowledged.

NGS County Organiser Anthea Foster said “It is a great honour that my colleagues have nominated me for this award. Norfolk has worked really hard to raise the profile of the “NGS Open Gardens”. Although we have a lot of gardens we try to ensure we support and communicate with the garden owners. I believe we have achieved a great community spirit across the county and well as raising money for the charities. It raises the profile of the great horticultural product of Norfolk, its nurseries, private and commercial gardens and accommodation. Thank you to everyone who has helped achieved this.”

Anthea is the first to thank all garden owners, organisers and individuals for their commitment and hard work. However behind the scenes Anthea coordinates the garden openings, the paperwork and inputs information nationally. Her enthusiasm and that of her organisers have led to an increase in number of open gardens every year. She is always willing to assist garden owners with placing yellow posters and signs. Or to deliver brochures or posters armed with the equipment in the back of her car. As with most seasonal businesses the open garden season demands Anthea’s time throughout the year.

What makes Anthea’s commitment so strong is her great interest in the gardens and their owners and she enjoys the chance this brings to visit corners of the county which she might otherwise never know, while raising funds for the worthwhile charities. There are many other like minded individuals in the National Gardens Scheme but the Norfolk NGS are proud to have Anthea at the helm. Winning “The People’s Award” would be appropriate recognition of the unsung heroine National Gardens Scheme Organiser County Organiser Anthea Foster! Just to add to add to the prestige of this week for Anthea, Country life magazine are featuring Lexham Hall with Anthea and Neil Foster!