TV gardener supports appeal

THIS?year is likely to be a make or break year for the Gardens of Easton Lodge as trustees battle to keep the beauty spot open. A timely boost has therefore been welcomed by garden fund-raising appeal trustee Jim Gillies as television gardener Christine W

THIS?year is likely to be a make or break year for the Gardens of Easton Lodge as trustees battle to keep the beauty spot open.

A timely boost has therefore been welcomed by garden fund-raising appeal trustee Jim Gillies as television gardener Christine Walkden from BBC shows The One Show and Christine's Garden comes to Great Dunmow.

Mr Gillies said: "Christine will be giving two talks on the making of her TV show Christine's Garden in the aid of the gardens preservation trusts' £25,000 fund-raising appeal to keep the Gardens of Easton Lodge open. It really is an important event for us.

"We need the money because after April the gardens will be handed over to the trust from present owners Brian and Diana Creasey."

The talks will be by Ms Walkden, who lives in Sawbridgeworth, will be held at the Foakes Hall in Stortford Road, Great Dunmow, on January 26 at 2.30pm and 7pm.

Tickets, priced at £10, are available from the Arts Centre on Haslers Lane or send a cheque to The Gardens of Easton Lodge Preservation Trust and an SAE to: The Gardens of Easton Lodge, Warwick House, Easton Lodge, Little Easton, near Great Dunmow, Essex CM6 2BB.

Mr Gillies said: "The Gardens are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Essex, all the proceeds from the talks kindly given by Christine will ensure that the gardens remain that way."

# MR?AND?Mrs Creasey will continue to live at Warwick House and will be happy to see visitors.