These are extraordinary times . The team at Stody Lodge Gardens have been, like everyone, assimilating the fast changing news and what it means for us all. We have in particular been considering whether to continue with our open gardens days this May and whether we can do this in a way that protects the health of our team, our charity volunteers and the visiting public.
We are pleased to say that we have decided that we will be going ahead with our open days. This decision is supported by guidance from the National Garden Scheme, Historic Houses, and The Royal Horticultural Society who are also continuing to open gardens. Should the Government’s advice to close certain venues extend to gardens and parks then we will of course comply. We are aware that the National Trust has now decided to close its parks and gardens due to concerns over social distancing not being possible with the volume of visitors to its sites, particularly for Mothers’ Day. Our visitor numbers are not comparable to that of the National Trust’s and we are confident we can deliver appropriate social distancing measures but will continue to monitor the situation carefully.
We have regretfully decided not to provide homemade teas, however. The Stody tea rooms have for over 60 years been a place where selected local charities can fundraise for their individual causes but we must sadly make this decision to protect charity volunteers and our visitors.
We will instead be encouraging ‘bring your own’ picnics and refreshments and for social distancing to be practiced as people go around. There will also be increased handwashing stations. We also intend to open for many more mid-week afternoons so that visitors are not likely to meet queues and can enjoy the gardens with plenty of space. Put simply, we feel that people will need colour and nature more than ever in May and Stody is able to provide this.
We are also keen for as many children as possible to run around and let off steam in the gardens. We have therefore decided to increase the age limit from under 12s so that under 16s will get in free this May.
Our special events will go ahead in that there will be ‘themed’ days:
The Stody Classic Vehicle Day will take place on Sunday 3rd May, 1pm - 5pm. Classic vehicles of all varieties are still very welcome and the driver is allowed free entry to the gardens. Vehicles will be parked at least two metres apart.
The Stody VE Day Celebrations will take place on Friday 8th May, 1pm - 5pm. There will be 1940s decorations and music for this commemorative day. Please see our website and social media for updates on the event nearer the time.
The Stody Family Fun Day on Sunday 24th May, 1pm - 5pm. Children under 16 are allowed free entry to the garden for all of the month of May so please do bring them anytime for a run around. This day will, if we can, have farmyard animals on display but for hygiene reasons visitors will be kept away from the railings and we sadly can’t have our petting zoo or other attractions such as the treasure hunt this year.
The Stody Rainbow Garden Party will be on Saturday 30th May, 1pm - 5pm. This event is an invitation to and celebration of the rural LGBTQ+ community, their family and friends. All members of the public are welcome. Again, please see our website nearer the time for details on what the event will entail. Please note that Stody Lodge Gardens is committed to being an LGBTQ+ inclusive venue for all our open days in May.
So that is the plan as things are at the moment. We will keep you posted via this news feed and our social media pages if it changes. We’re also going to keep you updated on the wonderful developments already taking place in the gardens - carpets of daffodils, vibrant camelias and early rhododendrons (even the odd azalea!) are springing into sensational colour.
Best wishes to everyone and keep safe.
