HISTORIC glasshouses, restored with the help of a £1,056,600 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, will be formally opened to the public on Sunday, October 19, at Grappenhall Heys Walled Garden.
The ceremony will mark the completion of a lengthy project to transform a derelict eyesore into a thriving community asset.
It will be opened by Cheshire gardening expert Sam Youd, former head gardener at Tatton Park, and a representative of the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The Grappenhall Heys estate dates from 1830 and originally consisted of a house with formal gardens, parkland and a walled garden.
After passing through several ownerships, the house fell into a state of disrepair and was eventually demolished.
The walled garden, however, survived and many historic features were retained including the glasshouses – although they were in a poor state of repair.
Grappenhall and Thelwall Parish Council launched the glasshouse regeneration project and won support from the Heritage Lottery fund.
Janet Richards, a member of the working group which steered the initiative with support from the Friends of Grappenhall Heyes, said: “We are thrilled to open the glasshouses which have several new amenities to make the visitor experience more enjoyable.
“The transformation is remarkable and can be witnessed on a time lapse video available online via You Tube”.
Sara Hilton, head of Heritage Lottery Fund North West, said: “The Walled Garden at Grappenhall Heys is a much-loved local heritage treasure, and we are delighted to see that our funding has made the restoration of these magnificent glasshouses possible.
“The project has also created a number of exciting volunteering opportunities and space for events and educational activities, meaning people from across the community will benefit from the fantastic achievements of the parish council and Friends group.”
The restored glasshouses and back rooms will allow plant propagation and display. Other areas will be used for practical work and demonstrations.
There is also a multipurpose community space which will be used as a café at the weekends and to deliver educational workshops, events and exhibitions for an array of visitors including schools, families and adult groups, during the week.
Ian Fountain, treasurer of the Friends of Grappenhall Heys Walled Garden said: “A well equipped kitchen and improved cafe facility means visitors can relax in the glasshouses and at new picnic tables while enjoying homemade cakes and hot drinks. They will also be able to overlook the beautiful kitchen garden.”
The walled garden is managed by gardener/manager Graham Richardson and supported by volunteers.
It is hoped more volunteers will come forward to help with gardening, co-ordinating events, marketing roles and working in the café. Anyone interested should email [email protected]
The opening will run alongside “Apple Day” activities and the gardens will be open from 1-4pm.
The refurbished glass houses which now boast a cafe.
The picturesque gardens
Historic glasshouses to open after £1 million restoration
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
