We had a brilliant Autumn Celebration earlier this month – were you there? Our event was one of over a hundred events awarded National Lottery funding as part of the West Midlands Mayor’s Community Weekend. Thanks to an incredible band of volunteers and supporters coming together to donate their time, skills, passion for the gardens, cake (and so much more!) we had a huge turnout and raised over £2,000 for Martineau Gardens.

Thanks for all your help, whether you were helping out on the day or digging deep and donating your cash, we really appreciate your support.

Here’s a round up of the highlights:

The weather backed the day: after all those wet days in August, we had a miniheatwave with icecreams almost flying off the counter. The cool shade of the woodlands providing a welcome retreat for our family wildife activities. Great to see so many visitors joining in with the Morris Dancing workshop and enjoying live music from our incredible bands (thank you to Black Adder Morris, Rigmareel and newcomers SAM band who performed for free). , and and trying their skills at the fete games. Delicious homemade cakes were eaten and barbeque food served up from the outdoor kitchen, there were fete games to play, plants and produce to buy. On the lawns, people were picnicing and visiting community stalls to find out out about all the great things going on our doorstep.

The Mayor’s Community Weekend is made possible thanks to National Lottery players, and a partnership with Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, and the West Midlands Combined Authority. Sponsored by Lloyds Bank and Natwest. It aims to celebrate the strength and diversity of West Midlands’ communities by bringing people together.