The Gardens of Easton Lodge Preservation Trust seeking new trustees

By Bishop's Stortford Independent reporter

newsdesk@bishopsstortfordindependent.co.uk

Published: 09:54, 18 January 2024

The Gardens of Easton Lodge Preservation Trust is seeking new trustees. Jill Goldsmith, who is one of the current trustees and oversees catering and publicity, explains what the role entails

Are you looking for a fun new community role? The Gardens of Easton Lodge Preservation Trust is looking for additional trustees.

Our trust maintains and restores the Countess of Warwick’s historic garden near Great Dunmow so that we can open it through the season for people of all ages to enjoy.

The lilypond is the centrepiece of the Italian Garden, which is colourful and with plants of interest through the seasons

We are a small, independent charity with a large and committed volunteer base. Volunteers do the gardening, maintenance and visitor welcome - and all that those jobs entail - and love the camaraderie involved.

What I enjoy about being a trustee is being part of a strong team and seeing what we are achieving: the completed restoration projects, the renewed planting and the smile on visitors’ faces after a relaxing day at the gardens.

In 2017 we recreated the Peto treehouse in the Lime Wood. In 2020 we restored the balustrade around the lilypond. The walled kitchen garden looks better and better and is more productive each year.

Peto designed the treehouse for the Countess of Warwick in 1902, when treehouse restaurants were very fashionable, for example in Paris

This winter we are completing a path project making the gardens more accessible for visitors.

And there are lots of projects on the drawing board, to be completed in the coming years, including repaving the Italian Garden.

Our board oversees the work of the trust, with each of us taking on different roles and working with the volunteers in the gardens or on open days. Currently Sue, a retired landscape gardener, leads on the gardening, Catherine on volunteer matters, Lizzy on open day activities and Peter on finance.

We consider everyone has their strengths and so expect that potential new trustees will be able to find their own niche once they have got to know us. Previous experience as a charity trustee is not necessary.

Trustees, members and volunteers at the annual general meeting in June 2023

To find out more, email us at enquiries@eastonlodge.co.uk. For more information about the Gardens of Easton Lodge, go to www.eastonlodge.co.uk.

Days Out Bishop's Stortford Independent reporter