Events & Projects
Projects
The Hermitage restoration and maintenance. The Hermitage, in collaboration between the Friends represented by the Steering Group, local Councillors and the Council, has now been fully restored to it's former glory and is being maintained by the Friends, to be used by the Friends as their HQ and base for events. The Friends initially undertook responsibility for cosmetic maintenance only, but the thatched roof was deteriorating, so a Master Thatcher was appointed and has done a great job in replacing the top section of the thatch and renovating the lower section (Autumn 2022). This was organised by the Steering Group with support from the Council and the Friends.
The Hermitage has now been redecorated on the inside too (Spring 2023) and the Friends keep it in excellent condition with care and maintenance by volunteers.
Gardening and Maintenance. The Steering Group has been successful in securing grants, which have been given to the Council towards the planting up of the Long Border in the Gardens. Since then, The Friends have taken over the maintenance of the Long Border, Rose Garden, Formal Garden and Pond from the Council, in order to keep the planting and maintenance in good condition because the Council is no longer in a position to do so. We pay for this through fundraising etc. We always need volunteers with these projects and responsibilities, so if you can help in this way please contact Annie on annemggp@outlook.com. Some arrangements and projects (such as large planting projects, sweeping out The Labyrinth, litter picking etc) are flexible, doing as much or as little to suit you. There is a regular Gardening Group, the 'Weeders', who meet every Tuesday (from March till November) 10am till 12md weather permitting. Either contact us if interested in the Weeders or just come along: from complete novice to expert all are welcome. All activities have full insurance cover for your safety.
Gate Security. The Friends also have the responsibilty of opening and shutting the Gates in the Gardens for security. This entails about 10-15 minutes commitment on a regular basis, which is shared amongst a team of volunteers doing this very important task. Contact Annie on annemggp@outlook.com if you would like to join the team.
Eastbourne Local Lottery. This is a great way for you to help the Friends raise funds and also for you to win cash prizes! To subscibe to the Eastbourne Local Lottery, simply follow the link on our Facebook page http://facebook.com/friendsofmanorgardensandgildredgepark
Events
The Steering Group are putting together an exciting range of events for all ages and interests in the Gardens and Park for the forthcoming year.
We have a notice board at the Goffs exit near the Bowls Club car park, which will show forthcoming events and includes contact details. There is also a News Bulletin which is sent to Friends direct, displayed on the News page here or is on our Facebook page. There are occasionally events exclusively for the Friends but generally all are welcome at the Friends' events. It is possible to become a Friend if you wish by filling in a membership form with a one-off payment of £5.
The Hermitage will be open on the last Saturday of the month from 2pm (March to October):
This gives a wonderful opportunity to see inside this beautiful Georgian Folly, whilst enjoying a cuppa and cake overlooking the Formal Garden. All at the same time supporting the Friends!
Inside the Hermitage, there are many historical pictures of the buildings, gardens and surrounding area, including the High Street in Old Town before all the ancient buildings were cleared, pictures of the Gardens before the Manor House was built, during it's use as a private house and many, many more! Sometimes there are plants and items for sale. All proceeds raised go towards the upkeep of the Hermitage, Gardens and Park; the Council can no longer fulfil this duty in the way it once did, which is where the Friends come in.
So do come along and support us and have a very pleasant afternoon as well!