Great turnout for fundraising ‘Bluebell Walk’ in Newtownstewart

THE sun shone down this week on a large turnout of people who took part in this year’s NSPCC annual fundraising ‘Bluebell Walk’ at Baronscourt Estate, Newtownstewart.

Organised by the NSPCC Omagh and District Committee, the first Bluebell Walk was held in May 2013 and since then has raised thousands of pounds to support the vital work of the charity.

The event didn’t take place last year but it marked its return this year in memory of the late Margaret Mitchell, BEM, who was NSPCC’s divisional vice president in the North and chair of NSPCC’s Omagh and District Committee.

Situated in the foothills of the Sperrins, Baronscourt Estate is host to magnificent displays of flowers including bluebells also known as ‘fairy flowers’, ‘witches’ thimbles’ and ‘cuckoo’s boots’.

The Estate is not usually open to the public, so the NSPCC’s annual Bluebell Walk was a perfect way for people to enjoy the stunning sunshine and beautiful grounds and these charming flowers while raising vital funds to help children in the North.

Speaking to the Ulster Herald, a member of the NSPCC committee described the event as ‘brilliant’.

“We were delighted at the walk’s great response,” she said. “Almost 600 people attended, which is quite a number. Patrons also enjoyed a delicious display of food, including home baking and hot drinks.

“And the generosity was brilliant,” she added. “It was just lovely to see so many families and children in attendance.

“The walk welcomed people throughout the day and we extended the event’s opening hours into the evening to cater for those who were working and local walking groups.

“We would like to extend our thanks to Baronscourt Estate for their excellent facilities and delightful gardens, which featured bluebells in bloom, blossoming rhododendrons, fragant flowers and a stunning lake, as well as the day’s hard-working and dedicated volunteers,” she concluded.