Hedsor House opens up to invite families for a special picnic

Hedsor House, a luxury wedding venue and Georgian mansion, hosted an open house picnic in aid of the NSPCC in its beautiful grounds on May 23.

The ticketed event, which sold out two weeks before the open day, raised £5,300 for the NSPCC and saw more than 650 people flock to the venue.

Visitors were able to explore the surroundings of the rhododendron and bluebell grounds – as these private areas opened up for the first time ever to the public.

Traditionally, the Italianate-style mansion is a popular spot for brides and grooms to tie the knot, but with lockdown restrictions putting many couple’s nuptials on hold, the company decided to do something different while helping support children across the UK.

Alexander Shephard, the owner of Hedsor House, was “thrilled” with the turnout.

He said: “Despite the erratic weather the day was particularly rewarding for all involved. To have been able to welcome over 650 adults and their children to the estate at a time when it is at its most beautiful, with the rhododendrons and bluebell displays once again giving us great joy.

Children on the staircase at Hedsor House during its charity open day

“I think everyone enjoyed the new freedoms after the prolonged winter lockdown and it really was a celebration enjoyed by all ages.”

Emma Alexandra, NSPCC community fundraising manager for Buckinghamshire, said: “The past year has been difficult for us all.

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“And we’ve seen our lives, and the lives of our children, change in ways we couldn’t have imagined. But it’s also shown us we can do so much when we all join together – even if we have to keep our distance.

“This event really proves it, and we can’t thank Hedsor House enough for all their efforts.”

A youngster running in the grounds

She added: “Now that restrictions are easing, we really can do more for children everywhere.

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“We know children and young people have shown great resilience this past year, but they have also battled with mental health problems, parental job loss and isolation from friends and family.

“With our forthcoming Childhood Day approaching on June 11, we can literally ‘play’ our part to make the future for children everywhere brighter and happier.”