Swindon Group
About the event
7pm to 9.30pm, Thursday 16 April 2026
Join the Swindon Group for another fascinating talk by Ros Ford, the Country Organiser for the National Garden Scheme in Wiltshire.
The talk explores the story of the National Garden Scheme, its surprising origins in the Victorian foundation of nursing, its launch in the 1920s, its championing of the best in the nation’s gardens, and its development into a much-loved part of Britain’s social fabric.
At The Queen's Nursing Institute (QNI) council meeting in 1926, council member Miss Elsie Wagg came up with the idea of raising money for district nursing through the nation's obsession with gardening. A year later the National Garden Scheme was founded and garden owners were asked to open their gardens for 'a shilling a head'.
The National Garden Scheme gives visitors unique access to over 3,300 exceptional private gardens in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands and raises impressive amounts of money for nursing and health charities through admissions, teas and cake.
Refreshments will be available as usual. There is also free parking but do remember to register your car on arrival at reception. You’ll also find information on future events, opportunities to view past club magazines, and time to socialise in the bar.
Price
Free
The Holiday Inn, Marlborough Road, Swindon, SN3 6AQ
Contact
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