Chilbolton Open Gardens Raises Over £1,200 for The Countess of Brecknock Hospice
The Countess of Brecknock Hospice is delighted to announce that this year’s Chilbolton Open Gardens, organised by Chilbolton Parish Council, has raised more than £1,200 in support of the hospice.
Held on a beautiful summer afternoon, the popular annual event welcomed almost 250 visitors who explored eleven stunning private gardens throughout the village. Visitors also enjoyed beautiful floral displays in St Mary the Less Church, refreshments, and a family-friendly “Where are the Bears?” trail, which delighted younger visitors as they searched for nine hidden bears across the gardens and church.
Despite a week of heavy rain and gusty winds leading up to the event, the gardens looked spectacular. From colourful cottage gardens to beautifully landscaped grounds, visitors were treated to an inspiring showcase of gardening talent and community spirit. The impressive gardens at Upcote, with their combination of formal planting and sweeping meadow areas, were among the highlights of the day.
The money raised will help The Countess of Brecknock Hospice continue providing compassionate, specialist palliative and end-of-life care for people living with life-limiting illnesses across Andover, Ludgershall, Stockbridge, Sutton Scotney, Whitchurch and the surrounding villages.
Each year, the hospice supports more than 1,000 patients and their families through its Inpatient Unit, Living Well Day Centre, Community Palliative Care Team, Hospice at Home service, Home Care Team and Bereavement Support Service. Every service is provided free of charge to those who need it.
Although the hospice is part of Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, more than a third of the hospice’s running costs are funded by charitable donations through The Countess of Brecknock Hospice Trust. Community fundraising also enables the charity to provide additional specialist services, including an extra community palliative care nurse, the Hospice at Home overnight service, specialist equipment and other projects that enhance patient care.
Without the continued generosity of local communities, fundraising events such as Chilbolton Open Gardens, and the dedication of volunteers, the hospice simply could not continue providing its vital services to local people and their loved ones.
If you’d like to read more about the event, please visit: https://chilbolton.news/news/open-gardens-2026/
"I have personal experience of the wonderful support the team at the Countess of Brecknock Hospice give to our community. This was our most successful Open Gardens event ever and Chilbolton is delighted to have made our contribution to the hospice's excellent work. We look forward to building on this successful start and to working together going forward"
