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Ann Sainsbury in the walled garden

SUNDAY'S garden fair in the grounds of Rowdeford School is thought to have raised around £10,000 for a campaign to build an arts therapy centre at the special school.

It is thought around 1,500 people came along to enjoy the wide range of stalls and entertainments which this year overflowed from the Victorian walled garden in which it has been held for the last two years.

Mike Bowden, the former chairman of the Rowdeford Charity Trust and currently its treasurer, said: "It was the most wonderful day and the feedback we have had has been tremendous.

"Someone overheard the stall holders saying this is now the best event they attend.

"The Army Cadets were helping set up from 7am and they were magnificent. We had many more people come along as we had last year and we think we will have raised twice as much money."

As well as a live music from Four Plus One jazz band, bar, refreshments, many stalls and entertainment for children, celebrity gardeners were on hand to offer advice.

Robin Williams was signing copies of his new book, and there was advice from old hands like Richard Cripps, Charles le Strange, John Phillips and Simon Taylor.

The fair was raising money to convert a dilapidated coach house into an arts therapy centre at the school for children with special educational needs.

Simon Taylor (head gardener at Echilhampton House), Jeremy Sidmouth and author Robin Williams

The total cost is likely to be £500,000 and so far £75,000 has been raised.

The next fundraising event is a fire walk at the school on Saturday June 14. The last time the school held such an event, they raised £50,000 on one night.

4:19pm Tuesday 20th May 2008

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