Norfolk NGS county organiser scoops award

Anthea Foster, Norfolk National Gardens Scheme county organiser scooped the Tourism “Peoples Award, Unsung Hero” at the EDP, Tourism in Norfolk Awards Dinner on the 20th November 2009, hosted by Carol Bundock at the Holiday Inn North, Norwich.

The award is for an individual whose commitment is above and beyond the normal role. Anthea is the county organiser for the National Gardens Scheme which raises funds for many nursing, caring and gardening charities including the National Trust careership. Anthea is one of many county organisers for the NGS across England and Wales. Together they promote the opening of private and commercial gardens raising funds for the charities of the scheme.

Anthea is the backbone of the NGS in Norfolk her commitment over the last sixteen years has raised the profile of Norfolk open gardens whilst raising money. Anthea can often be found delivering leaflets, posters or yellow signs, overseeing gardens or recruiting new owners. She supports her team and garden owners located all over the county. Little do people know the garden owner at Lexham Hall snowdrop walks, often on the gate, helps coordinate the whole of the county’s open gardens for the National Gardens Scheme.

Anthea Foster said “It is an honour to receive this award. It is true recognition of the contribution that the National Gardens Scheme in Norfolk has made over the years to raise the profile of the “Open Gardens” while raising funds for worthwhile charities. It also recognises all those who have also donated their time – the volunteers in the county team and those who open their gardens. The Norfolk NGS believes that a great community spirit across the county has been achieved which also plays a significant role in the Tourism industry. It has raised the profile of the great horticultural product of Norfolk, private and commercial gardens, its nurseries, designers and accommodation. With two other gardens award winners, Pensthorpe and Fairhaven, and Hoveton Hall a finalist, it demonstrates garden visiting is a major attraction in the Norfolk tourism industry. Thank you to everyone who has helped achieve this and for the prestige of winning this award.”

NGS Press Office Annette Bowler collected the award on behalf of Anthea Foster at the Tourism Awards. The award will be presented to Anthea at the launch of the 2010 Norfolk NGS Brochure launch in February. In will then have pride of place in the Lexham Hall tea room for the snowdrop walk and for all other garden visitors to view.

If you were one of the “Norfolk Open Garden” visitors this summer please continue your support in 2010 or open your garden for the NGS! For more information visit www.norfolkgardens.org