MORE than £800 raised through donations during an open gardens day has been handed to two good causes.
Almost 300 people visited 17 homes along Newgate, Thorngate and The Bank, in Barnard Castle, on Sunday, June 9, to view the gardens and enjoy Pimms, a tombola and book and plant stalls.
Some £852 was raised on the day which organisers divided equally between Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team (TWSMRT) and Barnard Castle Christmas Lights last week.
Organiser Annie Clouston said it was the third time the homes had taken part in the event and although the cash raised was slightly down on the last open gardens two years ago, she was pleased with the outcome, because similar events were on the go in Whorlton and Bowes during the same weekend.
She paid particular tribute to Bobbie Allen, who organised the tombola which raised the bulk of the cash to the tune of £426.
Gabriel Damaszk who received the cash on behalf of TWSMRT brought the team’s new vehicle for organisers of the open gardens to view.
He said: “The amount that has been raised is absolutely amazing for one afternoon’s work. Our new truck was paid for totally with public donations so this is very welcome.”
Phil Crichton, of the Christmas lights committee, added: “It is fabulously generous.”
He said the cash would go towards maintaining the high standard of festive illuminations in the town and possibly buy a few more lights.
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