Families invited to charity snowdrop walk at private Shropshire estate
A Shropshire hall and estate which has been opening up its grounds for a charity snowdrop walk for more than 20 years, is once again hosting the family-friendly event next month.
The walk, arranged by and in aid of Lingen Davies Cancer Fund, the region’s primary cancer charity, will take place on Saturday, and Sunday, February 15th and 16th in the grounds of Winsley Hall in Westbury.
Back in the 1980s, the late owners of the hall, Mr and Mrs Wolstan Whitaker, began planting the thousands of snowdrops by hand so they could see them develop and bloom each year.
In 2004 the couple opened their private estate to the public to enjoy the magnificent carpet of snowdrops to help raise funds to improve the lives of those before, during and after a cancer diagnosis in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, and Mid Wales.
Sadly, Mrs June Whitaker was diagnosed with cancer herself and passed away in the summer of 2023. The couple’s son, Charles is keen to continue to support Lingen Davies and host the event to help keep the memory of his mother and the snowdrops she dearly loved so much alive.
Over the years the annual event has raised more than £25,000, with more than £6,000 raised through last years’ weekend walks alone.
Mr Whitaker said he was “absolutely delighted” he could continue the legacy established by his late mother and father and pledged to ensure the beautiful display would be open to Lingen Davies supporters for years to come.
He said that during his parents’ lifetime they planted “millions” of snowdrops over the course of nearly three decades using just a shovel and their hands, all the way up the drive and into the woods.
He said his parents, who were staunch supporters of various charities and activities, enjoyed the annual event of opening their home for others to enjoy their snowdrops, and it was probably their most favourite activity.
“We want to continue to run this event and support Lingen Davies. It has always been to benefit Lingen Davies and the work they do as my mother was so closely involved with the charity all her life. Our commitment to the snowdrop walks remains the same and this year marks the second time we have run the event since my mother’s passing.
“My mother didn’t want a memorial when she passed away, so we decided to use this weekend as a fitting tribute and various family and friends were able to join us which was fabulous.
“Last year was a record year in terms of attendance and money raised and we were all thrilled. It would be fantastic to surpass that in 2025.
“Over the years the snowdrops have spread and what they created is this wonderful carpet of snowdrops. So, it’s very special to me personally and the family to be able to host this again, and we’re very eager to take this legacy forward and support Lingen Davies.
Karen Roberts, Community Fundraiser for Lingen Davies, said the time and dedication given to the charity by the Whitaker family was very much appreciated.
“We can’t thank the Whittaker family enough for continuing to open their private estate year on year for such a beautiful event. It is such a lovely way to honour the memory of Mrs Whitaker and her husband and for so many people to be able to enjoy the beautiful snowdrop covered grounds.
“This event is almost entirely volunteer, and supporter led – and we couldn’t run it without the time and support of these people who help us all year round and year after year. We know that this event means so much to our supporters and families and we are looking forward to seeing many old and new friends in this beautiful setting.”
The money raised will go towards the work of the charity supporting people impacted by cancer and raising awareness about the signs and symptoms of cancer in the wider community.
Members of the Whitaker family, friends of June’s, and hundreds of supporters are expected to enjoy the seasonal spread and walk around the estate with members of the public. Dogs on leads are also invited to join in. The walk is flat and partly wooded, but mostly accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
The snowdrop walk takes place on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 February at Winsley Hall, Westbury, SY5 9HB from 10.30am to 4pm each day.
Entry is £5 per person, children are free. A range of home-made cakes and hot and cold refreshments will be available. Tickets are available to purchase on the gate or in advance by visiting www.lingendavies.co.uk/snowdrop
For more information on the work of Lingen Davies Cancer Fund visit the website lingendavies.co.uk.
