MADAM, St Tysilio Church's Fundraising Committee would like to thank the Ross Gazette for helping highlight our Open Garden event held at Caradoc Court, Sellack last weekend.

This year we made the grand sum of over £3,000 – a tremendous achievement all round and due in no small part to the generosity of John and Kathy Handby in opening up their grounds in support of the restoration appeal.

Their enthusiasm and knowledge of the garden's history was conveyed to all who took part in the guided tours and it was a delight to see the progress that has been made in restoring the grounds to their former splendour.

The committee would also like to thank all those volunteers who helped make the day such a success and especially the Forest of Dean Historic Vehicle Club who graced the venue with their wonderful examples of British automotive engineering.

"A delightful old fashioned garden party" was one comment and others said that the thing they most enjoyed about the day – delicious cream teas aside - was having a chance to wander around and take in the setting.

The church restoration appeal has a very high target to meet to cover the costs of essential repairs to the bell housings and steeple and the monies raised from this event are an important contribution to that sum.

St Tysilio's is set in a beautiful spot by Castlemeadows in a loop of the Wye just outside Ross and off the A49. We very much welcome visitors to the church and hope those of you that come will appreciate the tranquility and timelessness of this rather special area.

Chair of the fundraising

committee Neil Unitt