Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity and The Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust will each benefit from a share of a record-breaking £245,000 raised at this year’s Middlewick House Open Garden.
Hosted by Nick and Annette Mason at their home near Corsham on 6 and 7 June, the event generated just over £245,000, with the proceeds being shared equally between Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity and The Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust. The total comfortably surpassed last year’s impressive £200,000 fundraising achievement, making it the most successful Middlewick Open Garden since it began in 2013.
Visitors travelled from across the UK and around the world to explore the beautiful gardens, browse local stalls and enjoy a wide range of attractions, while helping to support two charities that provide vital services across Wiltshire and Bath.
Long-standing ambassadors for both charities, Nick and Annette Mason have hosted the event for more than a decade, raising significant funds and awareness for organisations that deliver lifesaving and life-changing support to local communities.
This year’s event also introduced a number of changes designed to improve the visitor experience. Following feedback from previous years, organisers worked closely with Wiltshire Police, Wiltshire Council and local landowners Steve Jones and William Taylor to create a new dedicated entrance from the Chippenham direction.
The revised traffic management plan, supported by additional AA signage, helped visitors access Middlewick Lane safely while reducing congestion on surrounding roads. Organisers reported no lengthy queues and minimal disruption throughout the weekend.
One of the event’s most popular attractions was the presence of Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity’s Bell 429 helicopter and crew. Visitors were able to meet the team, learn more about the charity’s work and see the aircraft up close.
Despite being part of the event, the crew remained fully operational and on call throughout the weekend. During the two days they responded to emergency missions in Bath, Salisbury, Melksham and Pewsey, highlighting the essential service the charity provides across the region.
The continued success of Middlewick House Open Garden ensures both charities will receive vital funding to continue supporting vulnerable people and responding to emergencies across Wiltshire and Bath, while reinforcing the event’s reputation as one of the county’s most successful annual charity fundraisers.
