Garden gala in County Waterford will be true community event

The countdown is on to what promises to be one of the most vibrant community events in County Waterford this year.

A Garden Gala will take place on June 15, at one of the most spectacular settings in the county, Tourin House and Gardens.

The gala will run from 1pm to 5pm and the organisers have worked hard at ensuring there will be something of interest for all members of the family.

"We intend that you enjoy the day out in beautiful surroundings where you will be treated to stunning background views of Tourin Castle and Dromana House in the distance, along with all the hospitality that the Jameson sisters and Tourin Hall committee have to offer," said one of the organisers.

The day will be full of various activities including a children’s Teddy Bear Picnic, face painting by Katie, music on the lawn, craft stalls, bouncy ball guessing game and the results of the Tourin children's colouring competition with prize-giving sponsored by David Walsh School and Office Supplies.

There will also be a Yoga workshop and flower-arranging demonstration, a sweet stall and tea and scrumptious cakes.

Those in attendance will also get an opportunity to stroll around the beautiful gardens.

"It’s a stunning location where you will be entertained with music and plenty of activities for all, time to chat and relax in beautiful surroundings and have the potential to avail of some light retail therapy at the same time," said one of the organisers.

There will be an entry fee at the gate of €10 per adult (€5 concessionary for OAPs and students) and children are free. The fun will begin at 1pm and there will be stewards on the gate to direct visitors to the car-parking areas where parking attendants will be on hand to guide people to the events of the day. 

From 2pm to 4pm there will be free music entertainment on-site and there will also be the opportunity to avail of some wellness treats in the marquee on the lawn.

The schedule will be comprised of: 2.15pm to 2.45 pm - Flower arrangement demonstrations by local Shirley; 3pm to 3.30pm – Yoga with our visiting Yogi Michelle and there is also some time out for the little ones with the Teddy Bear’s picnic which will feature story-time with Virginia at 2.45pm and 3.30pm. 

Children are encouraged to bring along their favourite teddy or cuddly companion with them. 

"There will be plenty to also entertain families with our lawn games and our face painting expert Katie will be on hand to do her wonderful works of art on the little ones," said a member of the organising team.

"You might just decide to chill out and stroll through the gardens or sit and have a cuppa at either Dee’s stall by the house or wander further down the garden and sample the lovely home baked sweet delights on offer in our tea-rooms," she added.

Mags Sweet Stall will tempt the taste bud with sweet goodies and ice-cream and there will also be craft stalls to browse.

They will be located down by the walled garden - a little retail delight amid the beautiful outdoor setting. 

"Lynn will be there with her gorgeous body products from Nature’s Alchemy or pick up a candle or a lotion or two from Monika," said the organising committee member.

"Helen will be there with her garden babies – plants nurtured especially for this event – you can never have too many plants," she added.

There will be a Gro-gifts stall and if you want to take some time out to relax there will be opportunities to get a head, shoulder and neck massage.

The organising committee member emphasised the beauty of the setting: "Take the entire day and relax, there is nothing like the beauty of Tourin House and Gardens for the ideal place to take some time out of the hustle and bustle of everyday living."

"But whatever you do, don’t leave without sampling everything we have to offer," she said.

"Rest assured it will be a fabulous day out, round up the family members and take a trip to Tourin on Sunday, June 15."