Update from Caroline Busby, Interim Director, CHGT

It's been a busy summer for the Trust with the appointment of a new Chairman, many visitors and activities, and lots to celebrate. 

We are very proud of all the hard work and care that is taken to maintain the Estate by both staff and volunteers. These efforts have been recognised this year by the receipt of our first Green Flag Award in July and with a number of London in Bloom Awards in September, including Heritage Park and Garden of the Year and Walled Garden of the Year. 

The House has been open to many visitors from far and wide over the summer months. A highlight was the September Open House weekend which saw over 2,000 visitors, a massive increase on last year’s 1,235 visitors. 

We hosted several events on the Estate over the summer and we hope there was something for everyone to enjoy. We are due to announce our winter events soon so do watch this space for news. 

Over the next few months we have many plans to improve the Estate for our visitors. We are fundraising for a new playground to replace the existing play equipment which is now rather dated. We are also looking at access improvements to the House. 

Visitors to the Gardens will also notice work being carried out to repair the rotunda of the conservatory. Work to repair the cascade is nearing completion too.

We’d like to thank the Friends for their contribution to these works as well as their support for the Trust’s on-going work.