Oldham centre’s garden in Tatton flower show

The Chronicle supports the Oldham Christie appeal

FLOWER-LOVERS can get an early glimpse of how the courtyard garden at Oldham’s new radiotherapy centre will look.

For it forms the basis for this year’s entry by the Christie Hospital into the RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park.

It is the seventh year the Christie has entered the Back to Back garden competition, and it has scooped an award each time.

Under the skilled direction of garden designer Andy Walker, the Christie entries have earned a gold, three silver and two bronze awards.

And he has taken inspiration for this year’s bid for gold from the tranquil garden planned for a central courtyard at the radiotherapy centre under construction on the Royal Oldham Hospital site.

Andy has collected numerous accolades and awards and produced gardens at leading horticultural shows throughout the UK for many years

He explained: “I have chosen a blend of flowers and beautiful foliage to provide a calming and relaxing space for visitors.

“It’s free of clutter and the design is perfect for gardeners with only small spaces.”

Construction firm Vinci Construction UK Ltd, (formerly Norwest Holst), which is building the radiotherapy centre, has donated the hard materials for the “garden in miniature”.

The entry will help to promote the £100,000 Christie’s at Oldham appeal, which will help towards the cost of what is to be the first in a network of Christie radiotherapy centres across the region.

The hospital is now looking for a band of 40 volunteers to help man the garden and welcome visitors between July 23 and 26.

Volunteers will get a free entry pass into the flower show.

For more information, e-mail your name and contact details to community@christies.org or ring Sarah Harrison on 0161-918 7397.


TO get help or advice in setting up a fund-raising event, contact the appeals office on 0161-446 3988, visit www.christies.org or text OLDHAM CHRISTIE followed by your name and address to 07971-456824 to receive a fund-raising pack. The pack will have details on how to make sure your money goes to the Christie At Oldham Appeal. Cheques should be made payable to The Christie (Oldham Evening Chronicle). If sending cash, enclose a covering letter to say it is for the Christie At Oldham campaign.