Cardiac Health in Alton will open its first of five garden fundraisers on Sunday, kicking off a landmark 50th anniversary celebration. The Thatched Cottage in Upper Farringdon will open its gates at 11am, revealing a 1.5-acre garden alive with roses and wildflowers. Visitors can stroll beneath a rose arbour, wander through a restored meadow, and enjoy homemade refreshments for £7. Proceeds will fund programmes that have helped hundreds reclaim their health after cardiac events.
The charity’s reach extends from Alton to Basingstoke, where it runs tailored cardiac rehabilitation sessions weekly. Each garden event offers a different slice of Hampshire’s rural charm, from cream teas in Medstead to evening wine and live music in East Meon. Advance booking is now open for every venue — tickets for the cream tea at Church House sell out fast, organisers warn.
💡 Pro Tip
Book tickets within 48 hours of release to avoid disappointment. Card payments are accepted at all events, but cash is preferred for refreshments to reduce queueing.
On June 17, The Court House in East Meon will host a summer garden party from 6pm to 9pm. Saxophonist Nick Lipton will play jazz standards as guests sip sparkling wine among the historic grounds. Tickets are £30, including entry and a glass of fizz. Organisers expect a full house — last year’s event sold out three days early.
| Garden Event | Date | Venue | Ticket Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Garden Tour | June 14 | The Thatched Cottage, Upper Farringdon | £7 |
| Community Cream Tea | June 20 | Church House, Medstead | £12 |
| Summer Garden Party | June 17 | The Court House, East Meon | £30 |
| Evening Garden Tour | July 7 | Colemore House, Alton | Free with wine |
Colemore House in Alton will host the only free event on July 7, inviting guests from 6pm to 8pm for a guided tour of its renowned planting schemes and a glass of wine. Bookings are essential; organisers will cap numbers to protect the garden. The final event wraps on June 20 with a cream tea at Church House in Medstead, where a £12 ticket includes unlimited tea, scones, and clotted cream.
Key Points
- ✅ Five garden fundraisers across Hampshire start June 14
- ⚡ Over £5,000 raised last year to support free cardiac rehabilitation
- 💡 All events require advance booking; tickets sell out quickly
Cardiac Health in Alton began in 1974 as a small support group in a church hall. Today, it runs weekly sessions in Alton and Basingstoke, led by physiotherapists and dietitians. Participants regain strength through tailored exercise, nutrition advice, and peer support. The charity funds these services entirely through donations and events like the garden tours. Over 2,000 people have completed its programmes since 2020 alone.
📋 By The Numbers
- 2,000+ — People supported since 2020 through free cardiac rehabilitation
- £5,200 — Funds raised by 2023 garden events to sustain programmes
- 150 — Volunteers trained annually to lead sessions across Hampshire
The anniversary celebrations continue beyond June, with plans for a winter lecture series and a cookbook featuring heart-healthy recipes from local chefs. Cardiac Health in Alton invites the public to join its mission: to keep hearts beating stronger, longer. All event details are available on its website.