Over the past four years, Melanie and Bill James’s Garden has become a hub of community, welcoming hundreds of attendees and raising thousands of pounds for local charities and causes.

The couple who lives in Pemboa, Helston have been hosting open garden parties to raise funds for charities including Cornwall Air Ambulance and Marie Curie Cancer Care and causes such as Helston Town Band and St Michael’s Church.

Melanie, who has worked at Royal Cornwall Hospital for 51 years, passion for open garden events and raising money for charity was ignited by a desire to bring joy to her daughter Susie, who has Down Syndrome.

Melanie and Bill moved to Helston ten years ago after living in Truro Melanie and Bill moved to Helston ten years ago after living in Truro (Image: Kathy White)

“We put the marquee up in our back garden because my daughter had been away for 18 months at her care home without us being able to visit due to the Covid lockdown,” Melanie told the Packet.

“Just as we came out of lockdown, it was Susie’s 40th birthday, and I said to Bill that she’s been away for 18 months; I am going to throw her a proper party, hog roast the lot.

“We invited all our family and friends, and it was a lovely day.

“I decided after her party to keep the marquee up and to plan some coffee mornings, and that’s how it started.”

The crowd braves the rain at the latest event The crowd braves the rain at the latest event (Image: Kathy White)

Since then, the garden has become a hub of activity throughout the summer months, welcoming an average of 200 visitors per event.

Each year, the couple choose a different charity to support with previous beneficiaries including Marie Curie Cancer Care, Cornwall Air Ambulance, St Michael’s Church, Helston Town Band, and Helston Cricket Club.

They have also donated to Coastwatch and Nare Point, where Bill volunteers. 

Melanie’s dedication to charity is rooted in her family’s history of giving. Her parents were both avid supporters of local charities.

“My dad did a tremendous amount of work for the British Legion,” she explained.

“My mum also did a lot of charity work in the background. For 40 years, she knitted for the neonatal unit at Treliske. They both gave back to their community.”

Meanwhile, Bill, a retired advanced theatre assistant has run eight London Marathons and Melanie has participated in five, raising further funds for charity.

Ritzy Belle's performed a selection of songs from the 1940s, 50s, 60s and 70s at the event in August Ritzy Belle's performed a selection of songs from the 1940s, 50s, 60s and 70s at the event in August (Image: Kathy White)

At their latest event, held in August, guests were able to enjoy music from the Ritzy Belles, and a selection of artwork from Jenni Hosen. Proceeds raised from the event went to Royal Cornwall Hospital’s Respiratory Department.