Celebrity gardeners back charity ball

Paradise Ball, Ryton Organic Gardens
Friday, July 1, 2005

Gardening enthusiasts will have an opportunity to dine alongside a host of celebrity gardeners at a charity ball in memory of the much-admired organic gardener, the late Geoff Hamilton.

Monty Don, Bunny Guiness, Pippa Greenwood and Chris Collins have kindly agreed to attend HDRA, the organic organisation's Paradise Ball on Friday, July 1, from 7.30pm. This glamorous event will be staged in a marquee in the beautiful surroundings of HDRA's headquarters, Ryton Organic Gardens, Warwickshire - where the idyllic Paradise Garden was opened in memory of Geoff in 1999.

HDRA wanted to pay tribute to Geoff because he was ahead of his time in promoting organic methods during his career as a gardener, author and presenter of Gardeners' World for nearly 20 years. All proceeds from the Paradise Ball will be split between HDRA and Geoff Hamilton's New Gardeners' Foundation, which supports studentships at his old college, Writtle in Essex.

Lynda Hamilton, Geoff's wife, says: "The Trustees of the Foundation are delighted to be part of this wonderful gala evening, which will further Geoff's ideals and encourage folk to pick up their spades!"

Diners at the Paradise Ball will enjoy a champagne reception, a four-course organic meal, live music and a midnight gardens walk. Members of the public, as well as corporate groups, are welcome to purchase tickets for this event costing £100 per person, but they should be booked early to avoid disappointment.

Dr Susan Kay-Williams, HDRA's Chief Executive, says: "The Paradise Ball will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the achievements of a dedicated, inspiring organic gardener, whilst raising funds to encourage and support the organic gardeners of the future."

HDRA, the organic organisation, is dedicated to researching and promoting organic gardening, farming and food and boasts a membership of more than 31,000. As well as Ryton Organic Gardens, the charity manages two more beautiful display gardens: Yalding Organic Gardens, Kent, and Audley End Organic Kitchen Garden, Essex
(in association with English Heritage).

For further information about the Paradise Ball or to book tickets call Treena Jones on 024 7630 3517 or email fundraising@hdra.org.uk.

Much more information about HDRA, the organic organisation, is available on our website www.hdra.org.uk
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In the introduction to his book "Successful Organic Gardening", Geoff Hamilton said:
"My aim is to make a productive, beautiful, interesting and enjoyable garden that provides an alternative habitat for wildlife of all kinds, this gives me a happy, healthy and absorbing occupation and provides me with food that tastes like nature intended and that I know is free from pollution. I'd like to share that with you."
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