Bluebells and Cakes Galore

as well as enabling visitors to see the Arlington Bluebell Walk, Farm Trails & Bates Green Garden by manning the entry gate, greeting visitors and arranging the use of mobility scooters for those with limited mobility.

Similar to last year, the weather on the first day was overcast in the morning but the sun made an appearance in the afternoon. Friday was cloudless. This was reflected in the number of visitors each day with 388 visitors on the Tuesday and 639 on the Wednesday, the greater number being due to sunshine and a blue sky all day. Visitor numbers were down by two and half percent compared with the two days last year when Seaford Rotary manned the Bluebell Café.

Visitors to the Bluebell Walk saw a wonderful display from the bluebells at their peak as the wood became darker as the leaves of trees opened.  After visitors wandered through Beatons Wood to view the blue and white panorama of the colonies of bluebells, and wood anemones visitors could return to sample the culinary delights on offer in the Bluebell Café, such as filled jacket potatoes, various salads, sandwiches, and daily specials including ploughman's lunch and soups.

There was a stunning selection of homemade cakes provided by the superb catering team. Visitors could choose vegan, dairy free or gluten free options. The enticing display of cakes could not have happened without the organisation and guiding supervision of Rotarian Janice Vince along with the brilliant support and help of the Rotary ladies, other Rotarians and volunteers who baked the enjoyable cakes and savouries etc. for which we, as well as the visitors, are incredibly grateful.

It was noticeable the greater number of visitors through the gate to explore Beaton’s Wood on the second day was reflected in the number of visitors to the Bluebell Café. It was suggested that most of them relaxed at the Café either before or after viewing the bluebells, and maybe some both times.

Janice sad. “A BIG thankyou to everyone who helped or contributed with cakes. We had a sufficient number of cakes, and it wasn’t necessary to call those on standby to ask them to bake further cakes. Thank you very much to those that provided cakes, they were much appreciated.”

We are grateful to all who helped in the kitchen and servery, table clearers, and washer uppers, who were kept busy maintaining a continuous supply of clean crockery and cutlery to enable the Café to keep running smoothly on both days.

At the end of the day, brooms and dust pans and brushes were put to effective use to clean the floor, and tables and work surfaces wiped to leave the Bluebell Café clean for the next charity to staff the facility.
As a result of the sterling efforts of all who helped, initial estimates indicate that over £5,000 was raised.

All money raised will be used to support both local charitable and international Rotary projects.