It was great to visit Painshill Park this morning with Simon Lewis from Elmbridge Philanthropy. We met the park’s amazing volunteers, including the new Volunteer Manager whose recruitment was funded by a grant from Elmbridge Philanthropy and the Community Foundation for Surrey. Having helped to set up Elmbridge Philanthropy, it’s fantastic to see it funding such important local initiatives like this.
Coronavirus caused real difficulties for Painshill, as the lockdown meant that it had to close. The park reopened to the public (with pre-booked tickets) on 1 June, and I was very encouraged to see how well it has bounced back from the disruption.
It was also good to hear that the park has been shortlisted for Garden of the Year 2020, an award run by the Historic Houses Association. The winner is decided by a public vote, with a deadline of 30 September. You can support Painshill here.
