Programme Forum 2017 – West Dean Walled Gardens
Glass and Glasshouses
Saturday 23rd September
9.00 Registration and coffee
10.00 Welcome followed by our speakers:
Sarah Wain & Jim Buckland – Head Gardeners of West Dean Gardens for nearly 25 years
Simon Harrison – Victorian Glasshouse Company
Chris Sawyer -Director at Alitex
Ben Hope– head gardener of private estate with restored walled garden near Petersfield, Hants
There will be a coffee break during the talks
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch
2.00 Tours of the Walled Kitchen Gardens with Sarah and Jim
Ending with tea, discussion and questions.
16.30 End of the first day
In addition to the main Forum, delegates will be able walk around West Dean’s extensive pleasure gardens, before a reception that will be held in the Oak Hall of West Dean House. There will be a small additional cost (see below)
Sunday 24th September
9.30 Meet at West Dean to depart in cars for visits to other Walled Gardens
16.00 Provisional finish time for the Forum
The gardens we hope to visit will be confirmed in due course, but will all be within easy driving distance, we do however already have confirmation for Petworth and Whithurst Park, Kirdford.
Garden tours, coffee and lunch will be included during the day, car shares can be organised for anyone interested and will start and end at West Dean
Additional Plans
Friday 22nd September
As Alitex are relatively close at West Dean, we have been invited to have a look round their factory. This will be in the afternoon, but we will confirm the time in due course.
Alitex have been strong supporters of WKGN for many years and we are really pleased to have the opportunity to see the factory and discover the processes behind their glasshouses.
Saturday 23rd September
For anyone staying near to West Dean on the evening of the 23rd, we are arranging a Reception in the Oak Hall, West Dean House. The cost will be in addition to the Forum but we will send out information and prices as soon as we have decided on the best option. It will be around £12 – £15 per head
Accommodation
There is some accommodation at West Dean College if you are interested in staying there, please contact the College direct:
Tel 01243 818295, Zoe Lane, bookings manager. Let her know that you are attending the Forum
There are plenty of options locally for B&B or hotels – we will send out a list with booking confirmation. Let us know where you’re staying and if you’d like to, we can put you in touch with other attendees at the same hotels or nearby
Or go to Tourist Information Chichester: www.visitchichester.org/where-to-stay
If you would like to print out this programme, click on the link below and print the PDF file.
Preliminary Programme – Forum 2017
To download a booking form please click on the link below
Just a note to say I would very much like to attend the West Dean day – Can’t wait! Mike Kleyn – will you be there?
Indeed I will, look forward to seeing you there.