News: Open Gardens raises over £1,200 for Countess of Brecknock Hospice

Cllr David Hall, Julie Connor and Jane O’Boyle handed over a cheque for £1,288 - half of the proceeds from Chilbolton Open Gardens 2026 - to Sophie Jasper, Clinical Matron at the Countess of Brecknock Hospice.

Charitable donations are key

The Hospice supports more than 1,000 patients and their families each year,free of charge to those who need it. It relies on charitable donations for more than a third of its running costs.

Sophie said of the Open Gardens donation “We’re incredibly grateful to Chilbolton Parish Council, the garden owners, volunteers and everyone who came along to support the event. Every pound raised helps us continue providing outstanding care, comfort and support to local people and their families when they need it most.”

Cllr Hall said “I have personal experience of the wonderful support the team at the Countess of Brecknock Hospice give to our community. This was our most successful Open Gardens event ever and Chilbolton is delighted to have made our contribution to the hospice’s excellent work. We look forward to building on this successful start and to working together going forward”

Support in the Village

Many people in Chilbolton have personal, and intimate knowledge of the work the Hospice does. The care that they offer helps not only those living with life-limiting illnesses, but their families too.

When Cllr Hall first suggested at the Parish Council meeting in March that the Hospice should be the chosen charity for Open Garden, there was instant, unanimous agreement from Councillors and vocal support from members of the public.

Looking forward to 2027

This year’s Open Gardens welcomed over 250 visitors to eleven gardens, three of which had never been opened before.

The other half of the proceeds from Open Gardens 2026 went to the Parish Council’s Community Benefit Fund for Village projects.

The Open Gardens team are already thinking ahead to 2027: how they can improve the experience for visitors, and raise more funds.