Royal United Hospital, Bath

EASTER activities and generous donations made Easter on the Children’s Ward that little bit more fun at the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust (RUH).

Over 150 eggs were donated by staff and customers from Bath Odd Down Sainsbury’s, along with a giant egg donated by Chelwood Bridge Rotary Club and at least another 100 eggs donated by customers and staff from New Look and TK Maxx stores all over the region.

In addition to the all this excitement, children on the ward were busy making Easter decorations with RUH play specialist Jo Powell and RUH Artist in Residence, Edwina Bridgeman, which are now proudly on display in the playroom.

Jo said: “We are so grateful for all of these generous donations. Being in hospital can be a nerve-wracking experience for any child and staying in hospital over the holidays can be especially tough. This year we have so many Easter eggs we are even planning to do a couple of Easter egg hunts around the ward. Anything we can do like this really helps distract children from their illnesses and injuries and make their stay that bit brighter.”

National Garden Scheme Open Gardens

GARDENS open this week in Wiltshire include:

Friday, April 26: Bowood Woodland Gardens, Calne, SN11 9PG 3m SE of Chippenham. Entrance off A342 between Sandy Lane & Derry Hill Villages. Follow brown tourist signs. For SatNav please use SN11 9PG. Open 11am-6pm, adm £7, chd free. This 60 acre woodland garden of azaleas, magnolias, rhododendrons and bluebells is one of the most exciting of its type in the country. From the individual flowers to the breathtaking sweep of colour formed by hundreds of shrubs, this is a garden not to be missed. The Woodland Gardens are 2m from Bowood House and Garden.

Saturday, April 27 and Sunday April 28: Allington Grange, Allington, SN14 6LW. 2m W of Chippenham. Take A420 W from Chippenham. 1st R signed Allington Village, entrance 1m up lane on L. Open 2-5pm both days, adm £5, chd free. Home-made teas.

Informal country garden of approx 1 acre, around C17 farmhouse (not open) with yr-round interest and a diverse range of plants. Many early spring bulbs. Mixed and herbaceous borders, colour themed; white garden with water fountain. Pergola lined with clematis and roses. Walled potager. Small orchard with chickens. Wildlife pond with natural planting. Mainly level with ramp into potager. Dogs on leads.

Saturday, April 27: Iford Manor, Lower Westwood, Bradford on Avon, BA15 2BA. Off A36, brown tourist sign to Iford 1m. Or from Bradford or Trowbridge via Lower Westwood Village (brown signs). Campervans should call ahead for directions avoiding narrow lanes. Open 11am-4pm, adm £6, chd £5.20. Cream teas. Romantic, award-winning, Grade I listed Italianate garden famous for its tranquil beauty and unique design. Home to Edwardian architect and designer Harold Peto 1899-1933. The garden is characterised by steep steps, terraces, sculpture and magnificent rural views. Narrow, twisting paths lead you on in anticipation of the next delight. House not open. Last garden entry at 3.30pm.