One of Dorset’s longest-running village fundraising events marked a special milestone in June, as Cerne Abbas Open Gardens celebrated its 50th year.

Celebrating 50 years

The event began in 1974 with just a small number of gardens and a flower display in St Mary’s Church, raising money to restore the village bells. Since then, it has grown into a much-loved part of the Dorset summer calendar, bringing people into the village and raising money for local groups and charities.

Since 1984, the proceeds have been shared, with half staying in the village and the other half supporting a Dorset charity.

Gardens open across the village

This year’s event took place on 20th and 21st June, with around 30 private gardens opening their gates to visitors.

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance was chosen as the main external charity beneficiary, with funds raised in the village also supporting the Squibb Community Garden.

Visitors had the chance to explore a lovely mix of gardens that are not usually open to the public, from smaller cottage gardens to larger landscaped spaces.

Despite the very hot weather, the weekend was incredibly well supported and proved so popular that extra tickets, in the form of village garden maps, had to be printed for visitors.

Supporting DSAA

Our DSAA gazebo was based outside St Mary’s Church, giving visitors the opportunity to find out more about the charity’s work across Dorset and Somerset. Inside the church, which dates in part from the 13th century, a flower display helped mark the occasion.

Tea and cakes at the Old Vicarage were also very popular, with a local youth group helping to prepare and serve refreshments. Plant and flower stalls along Long Street added to the atmosphere and gave visitors another way to support the event.

Thank you

A big thank you to the organisers, garden owners, volunteers and everyone who came along or supported this year’s event, raising valuable funds for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. Special thanks to DSAA volunteer Bruce Grant-Braham for capturing the beauty of the event on camera and in words.

Get involved

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is a charity that receives no direct government funding.

Opening your garden is a lovely way to bring people together, welcome visitors into your community and enables our crew to be there for critically ill and injured people when every second counts.

Open your garden