Nestled in three acres of gardens and woodland in the pretty village of Mellor – situated on the border of Greater Manchester and the High Peak – is the Mellor Country House. A UK charity that has been changing lives since its inception at the end of the 19th century, by providing much needed respite for disadvantaged families, elderly visitors, carers, groups and individuals from areas in Stockport, Manchester and Salford.
As a small self-funded charity, relying solely on a committee of volunteers, the Mellor Country House fundraising events are of great importance to all who visit the beautiful Edwardian building.
Thanks to the volunteers ongoing dedication, the Mellor Country House is celebrating spring by launching its much-loved annual plant sale, to be held on the weekend of 20 and 21 May, and with the spring sunshine bringing brighter days – it’s the perfect time to start thinking about outside space and how to brighten up those alfresco areas.
This year’s event is set to burst with floral offerings, beautiful plants and an array of show-stopping hanging baskets, and the team are hosting a raffle too with fabulous prizes including a golf lesson at Mellor Golf Club, a Board & Bottle Voucher for All Things Nice in Marple, a back, neck and shoulder massage at Beautyfi in Hazel Grove, and a £35 voucher for Sarah Dawson Nails located in Marple, plus a £50 voucher from Sherlocks Hair Salon and a £50 voucher from Browse – both located in Marple Bridge.
Katie Clark, volunteer for Mellor Country House, shares:
“The annual plant sale is an important fund-raising event and like many charities we’ve been hit very hard over the past couple of years, and it’s our fundraising activities that ensure we can continue to provide short self-catering breaks to those who otherwise wouldn’t get any respite from the hardships of their day-to-day lives. The escape we provide has literally been lifesaving to some individuals, and without the much-needed funds required to keep the charity’s head above water, we wouldn’t be able to continue to help people in dire need of a break.”
Thanks to the volunteers’ dedication and tenacity, the team has already set up the pre-order form on the website https://www.mellorcountryhouse.co.uk which closes on 15 May – order forms are also available for collection from the house. The website also includes more details on raffle prizes with tickets available to purchase at the plant sale weekend, and the lucky winners announced week commencing 22 May.
The event will be held at Mellor Country House on the weekend of 20 and 21 May. There will be a range of high-quality, affordable plants, locally famous hanging baskets direct from the charity’s grower, and a large selection of shrubs and bedding plants – sold in recyclable trays.
Light refreshments will be on sale including delicious bacon butties and the Mellor County House famous clotted cream scones, plus hot beverages and home baked delights – with profits also going to the much-loved charity.
“We’re really looking forward to this year’s fundraising endeavours”, continued Katie, “Our events are always well received and its with huge thanks to our network of supporters and local businesses that we manage to raise much-needed funds to make a radical difference in so many lives.”
The charity is also calling green-fingered locals and those with a little spare time on their hands to become Friends of Mellor Country House and assist with gardening and general exterior maintenance of the grounds of the home. For more information on becoming a Friend or for details on upcoming activities please contact mellorcountryhou@btconnect.com for further assistance.
