Victoria Coombes writes –
This year Bishopstrow Open Gardens event will take on an extra dimension. The village event, which alternates each year with the fete, will this year include a Parish Walk and Open Day at the Parish Church of St. Aldhelm. There will be a BBQ lunch, followed by around 15 gardens open, with a map and details about each garden in a leaflet. There will also be teas, ice creams, plants, cakes and crafts on sale at different gardens.
“As well as organising the walk, we plan to give people a chance to visit our church, learn about St. Aldhelm and the history of the building without the formality of a service,” says Chairman of the Friends, Sir Roddy Cordy-Simpson.
The church is dedicated to the first Bishop of Sherborne, St. Aldhelm (639-709), a great story teller who was also known for his miracles. He is also responsible for the name of the village. One day, when preaching, he stuck his staff into the ground and it was left there so long it began to grow. The place took on the name of Bishopstrow or ‘Bishop’s Tree’.
The Parish Walk will be around four miles, starting from the church at 11.00 a.m. and following a circular route on to the Plain, it will return to the church in time for a barbecue lunch and the opening of the gardens. Make a note of the date ~ Sunday 30th June 2013.