Southport Visiter

Another great day for gala

- BY CATHERINE MACKINLAY catherine.mackinlay@reachplc.com @catmackinl­ay

THE Botanic Gardens in Churchtown attracted a great turnout for its Victorian Gala Day.

Organised by Botanic Gardens Community Associatio­n, the annual event is the busiest in the year and is a chance for people to come and admire the hard work done by volunteers all year round in the gardens.

Many arrived at the park in costume, some dressed as Victorian servants or chimney sweeps.

People could be seen enjoying the entertainm­ent on offer and the relaxed atmosphere.

Organiser Sandra Cain said: “Everybody had a good time and it was a good turnout.

“Unfortunat­ely a couple of acts couldn’t make it but the Queenscour­t Hospice Choir were absolutely lovely – as always – and Fisherman’s Friends and the St Helens Accordion band were great.”

The vintage vehicles on display provided plenty of photo opportunit­ies and instead of rides this year, there were plenty of other activities for children such as zorbing, trampolini­ng and donkey rides.

The many craft stalls selling gifts, jewellery, toys and food treats did well, along with the Botanic Gardens Community Associatio­n’s plant stall.

Sandra said: “Maria and her mum made some lovely things using lavender from the plants the children planted last year.

“We raised over £100 which will be spent investing in our park. To everyone, a big thank you for your support.”

To find out more about the associatio­n’s events, visit the Facebook page at Botanic Gardens Churchtown.

 ??  ?? An organ grinder and his monkey and, right, visitors in costume at the gala day
An organ grinder and his monkey and, right, visitors in costume at the gala day
 ??  ?? A classic Citroën Traction Avant, left, visitors in costume, and Maria and her mum with the lavender creations on the associatio­n’s stall
A classic Citroën Traction Avant, left, visitors in costume, and Maria and her mum with the lavender creations on the associatio­n’s stall

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