TWO gardens in Stocksfield are open to visitors on Sunday. As part of the National Gardens Scheme raising money for nursing and caring charities, The Beacon, 10 Crabtree Road, will be open between 2pm and 6pm. This cottage garden with different levels is planted with acers, roses and a variety of cottage garden and formal plants, offering stunning colour and plant combinations. Water runs gently through it and there are tranquil places to sit and talk or just reflect. Cream teas will be available. Visiting groups of 10 or more are welcome, but please get in touch first, tel. 01661 842518 or email patandderek@btinternet.com.

Also on Sunday, the second garden tea of the summer takes place at 25 Cade Hill Road. Gates are open 3pm to 6pm, with the last tea served at 5.15pm. Teas are served on the courtyard under an awning, so it doesn’t matter if it’s raining. The tea is absolutely wonderful, so do bring your friends along for a treat. Visitors are welcome to stroll around the beautiful garden. Proceeds from this event go to Tynedale Hospice at Home. Tickets are available in advance or on the gate. Call 01661 842302 for details.

LOOKING further ahead, at the same address there will be a garden lunch served on Sunday, July 31, at 1pm. An extensive selection of cold meats, vegetarian quiches, salads and home-made desserts, cheese and biscuits and coffee will be served, plus a glass of wine or orange juice. There will also be a donation bar and a raffle. This event is to raise money for repairs to St. Peter’s Church. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Please call 01661 842302 to book your places.

THE school summer holidays begin next week, so parents may be interested in the popular Stocksfield churches children’s holiday club running during the first full week of the school summer holidays. This year, the children will become guardians of the fantastic city of Ancora, helping to recover a lost story-treasure each day in order to bring the light back to the city. The programme features games, crafts and construction, drama, music and Bible stories. The dates and times are Monday, July 25 to Friday, July 29, 10am to 12.30pm each day at Stocksfield Baptist Church. Bookings are on a first-come first-served basis. Ring Barbara on 01661 599 384 for more details.

IF you have anything for inclusion in the Stocksfield Village notes please email claredaltry@hotmail.co.uk or phone 07443 222887.