Campaign must raise £10k in three months to save Halesowen garden

The Halesowen Abbey Trust are poised to sign an agreement to buy contract with Leasowes Estate site owners Birmingham Metropolitan College this week.

The heritage group will then have just three months to raise the rest of the purchase price and complete the deal.

To buy the historic garden, which dates back to 1790, the community group originally needed an additional £20,000 but after a generous £10,000 donation by A & J Mucklow Group Plc, the community group now have until mid October to raise the outstanding funds.

Mick Freer, acting honorary secretary of the Trust is confident it can be done. He said: "I am confident that we can raise the money before October. We have had some very generous individual donations but we still need support. There is a risk because if we do not raise the remainder we will lose the deposit but I am not going to let that happen. One way or another we will raise the money, I am sure of it."

The garden is based on the Leasowes Estate and once bought the trust plan to start restoration work immediately.

Mr Freer said: "It is a very exciting time for us, we are a little overwhelmed with what is possible. It is a big area and walled gardens are the forgotten history of our country. It really is a fantastic place and buying it is just the first phase, next we will look at restoring it to its former glory."

The trust is looking for local businesses who would like to donate towards the purchase price of the 1.85 acre site and community members are organising an auction among other fundraising events.

Mr Freer said: "Over the next three months we will use every method possible to raise the funds."

As part of the plans to raise the money, campaigners are holding a music concert on August 16 at Halesowen athletics and cycling club.

Halesowen MP James Morris said: "It would be great for this historic garden to be bought on behalf of our community and I know that people will join me in thanking everyone who is working so hard to make that a possibility."

Mr Morris added: "The musical concert on 16th August promises to be a fantastic night and I hope it raises lots more money towards the Leasowes Walled Garden Appeal."

Once the walled garden is purchased and restored by the trust and Friends of Leasowes, members hope to open a visitor centre with a meeting room and cafe.

Mr Freer said: "We are going to dedicate it to the public and give them the opportunity to view the inside of an historic walled garden and see a piece of history being managed in the traditional way. The garden will have a long term guarded future, something it never had before.

If anyone would like to find out more or donate to the trust, contact Mr Freer on 07855473045.

Tickets for the concert cost £10 and include a buffet. For more information call Mr Russell on 07952406378