Events

CHRISTMAS CAROLS

Monday 15 December  gardens open from 6.15 p.m., carols to commence on 7.30 p.m.

The Friends are pleased to announce that the recent mishaps and current problems have been addressed in a way that is deemed to suffice in order to permit the  Twilight Carol Evening  to take place this year, as planned.

However, having overcome the 'odds' it is necessary to point out to our visitors:-

• there is currently no access through the main gateway to the Gardens.  This is due to the serious irreparable damage sustained by the wooden gates.

• access and egress is through a side entrance and/or steps to St Peter's Church and graveyard.  These will be clearly identified by strong lighting and Caversham Court Gardens volunteers, who have kindly agreed to take on this task during the evening.

• extra caution in the Gardens is urged, as throughout these  there are various edges and ledges  in these historic gardens.

• if arriving by car, please note parking in The Warren along the wall to the Gardens and allotments is not permitted.  This is due to the unstable condition of this ancient wall. 

• we ask everyone to plan for parking - in advane  of their visit and to be very considerate of parking in this residential area.

Anyone wishing to assist in stewarding this event should join our volunteers in a briefing meeting in the gardens at 6.00 p.m on 15 December.

The Friends are hoping that there will be a strong turn out of hearty singers all wrapped up and prepared for all winds and weather but if conditions suggest that it would be wise to accept the invitation from St Peter's Church to take shelter do note that only 300 will be permitted to enter.  The church choir and the Salvation Army Band have kindly agreed to support the evening.

Access to the Gardens will be from 6.15 p.m, when the Tea Kiosk will be open for refreshments, including mince pies and mulled wine.  The church bells will ring from around 7.00 p.m and the carols will commence at 7.30 p.m.  There will be a small number of carol books available and although the evening is free donations to: The Friends of Caversham Court Gardens  sort code 60-04-38, account 12055638 are warmly welcome.  There will be buckets available for collecting any cash.

CHRISTMAS CAROLS

WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCHED THEIR FLOCKS BY NIGHT

While shepherds watched their flocks by night,

All seated on the ground

The angel of the Lord came down 

And glory shone around

HALLOWEEN TRAIL

The Friends 5th Halloween Trail was once more enjoyed by children and their carers who flocked to the gardens to be suitably scared, amused, wowed and educated by the 20 displays created by Hester Casey and friends arranged to adorn, trees, shrubs and other hiding places.  The young visitors had great fun discovering each of the ghosts, witches, weird creatures and natural spirits, all made from recycled materials.  They would also have seen posters displaying poetry on the joy of relaxing in a garden and on the history of witches.

Thank you to the visitors who bought trail guides/tick sheets.  The over £600  raised will be used by The Friends to support the gardens by funding new or replacement plants for 2026.

Charity volunteers once again supported the event by manning the Tea Kiosk and serving hot drinks and home-made cakes to visitors.

Some images of displays (courtesy of Ania Haskins) are presented below.