In Norwich, we are blessed to have a wonderful garden as part of our cathedral- and even more blessed that our Bishop lets local charities borrow it to hold events.

On May 20^th of this year, following a successful bid the year before, we were able to hold a Garden Party and Family Fun Day in the gardens, which was a huge success for us in many ways.

Bolstered by an unwaveringly joyful team of volunteers- made up of staff, tenants, and church partners- we were able to put on an afternoon of fun to include; face painting, children’s storytelling, penalty shoot-out, art classes, afternoon tea, live music, and a treasure trail.

Over the day, we were able to welcome over 200 members of the public to the garden, and speak to many of them about the work that Hope into Action is doing both in Norwich, and nationally. We were also very lucky that it remained sunny all afternoon, despite all reports indicating rain.

Tenant volunteers were an integral part of the day- manning the stalls and gates, working in the kitchen, and even running the art classes- and that is what we take away as the true success of the event.
We may have raised money for Hope Into Action, and been able to talk to people about our work, but seeing our tenants and church volunteers working and laughing together, creating happy memories, was definitely the highlight for all of us here in the Norwich Office.

Thanks must go to all our staff and volunteers for their hard work before, during, and after, and the Right Reverend Graham James, Bishop of Norwich, and his wife, for letting us have their beautiful garden for the afternoon.

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