Garden party cancelled

Organisers, the Hospice of St Francis and Ashridge, had already been forced to re-schedule the event from May but the ground around the house is still waterlogged and un-usuable.

The poor forecast for the next two weeks promises even more rain.

“It is very disappointing for everyone involved, but the bad weather, the poor long term weather forecast and lack of other available dates has forced us to cancel this year’s party,” said Ros Taylor, medical director at The Hospice of St Francis. “We would like to thank everyone involved for all the work and preparation that has gone on and sincerely hope that 2013 heralds the return of summer, so that we can once again stage this very important event,”

The annual party has been held at Ashridge for the last five year and raises around £16,000 for the hospice through ticket sales, stall holder fees, refreshments and a raffle.

“It is very frustrating that we have had to cancel the party as it is a special event for us and raises lots of money and helps the hospice in its amazing work. We look forward to planning and staging the event in a warmer and drier 2013,” said Anna Brown, Hospitality Director, Ashridge House.