Billingshurst couple raises over £1,500 for Chestnut Tree House with plant stall on friend’s driveway

Angie and Keith Blackman set up a stall at the end of their friend Vicki Pidgley’s driveway in Silver Lane.

Angie said: “We’ve had an amazing response to the stall from the locals and passers-by.

“We still have a great selection of shrubs, alpines, roses, succulents, bird and bug boxes for sale, with the stall being restocked daily, and are hoping for lots more customers over the coming weeks.”

They normally sell their plants at the Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice shop in Billingshurst, where Angie volunteers, as well as at the shop’s annual fair.

When the charity’s shop had to temporarily close and cancel the plant sale because of the coronavirus pandemic, the resourceful pair found another way to sell their garden goodies and raise money for the children’s hospice.

Customers choose their plants and pay at a safe social distance to protect everyone involved.

Keith, who used to be a carpenter, also makes beautiful bird and bug boxes which are very popular with customers as well.

Jane Binns, marketing co-ordinator for Chestnut Tree House, said: “A huge thank you to Angie, Keith, Vicki and all the Chestnut Tree House supporters and gardeners in Billingshurst.”

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