Coolings Events and Excursions 2018

& EXCURSIONS 2018 TheEVENTS Gardener’s Garden Centre

Relax in Arthurs Garden with four theatre shows to enjoy

Holiday with us

NEW Daytrippers for 2018

Pages 10, 11, 12, 13

Page 14

Pages 4, 5, 6

THE EXPERIENCE IS GROWING

The Gardener’s Garden Centre

Events & Excursions with Coolings

Our Special Excursions

For those of you who haven’t been for days out with us before, you’ll find we love to spoil you by visiting the best gardens and other exciting places, all to thrill you in different ways.

For the smooth running of our trips and your comfort, all excursions are escorted by a member of Coolings staff, and we have carefully chosen a quality operator who provides first class coaches with facilities on board. We all like to stretch our legs, so there will be regular stops where possible on our various travels. All of our excursions include entry to venues, but not meals unless otherwise specified, and we always stay overnight at 4 star hotels unless specified otherwise.

Please note some of these trips may not be suitable for those with mobility issues. If you would like more detailed access information relating to the venues, please contact us on 01959 532269.

Get in Touch with Coolings Visit Us...

Coolings Garden Centre Rushmore Hill Knockholt Sevenoaks Kent TN14 7NN

T: 01959 532269 E: rushmorehill@coolings.co.uk W: www.coolings.co.uk

Experience a Different Day Out at Coolings Coolings is so much more than just a paradise for plant lovers. Following on from the success of the Antiques Valuation day last month (and in 2017) with celebrity experts Catherine Southon and Mark Stacey, this event will be back in October.

Theatre in the garden is also back by popular demand, with four great shows this summer. On top of all that we are looking forward to two fabulous holidays to the French Gardens and the Great Gardens of Cornwall.

“Well organised, Fun trips.”

Ray, Swanley

“Coolings go to some lovely places”

Mrs Reed, Sevenoaks

Opening Times Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm (5.30pm March 22nd - July 31st) Sunday 9am - 4.30pm

Follow Us...

Facebook /coolingsnurseries

Twitter @CoolingsGC

Don’t forget to use your Coolings Family card to get 10% OFF selected events & excursions where you see this symbol.

For more information on any of our events at Coolings or to book any of our excursions see www.coolings.co.uk/events

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1 Day Excursion

1 Day Excursion

Visit two fabulous gardens in one day!

Since its opening in 1846, Cambridge University Botanic Gardens has been an inspiration for gardeners, an exciting introduction to the natural world for families and a refreshing oasis for all its visitors.

Borde Hill and High Beeches We start our day at Borde Hill. Set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with spectacular views over the Sussex Weald and the Ouse Valley, Borde Hill’s grounds extend to over 200 acres across the garden, woodland and parkland. The 17 acres of formal garden are designed in a series of outdoor ‘rooms’, each with its own distinctive character, colour and scent. From the exotic ‘Garden of Allah’ and the beautiful Azalea Ring, to the traditional Rose Garden and peaceful Italian Garden, Borde Hill is a treat for the senses. This historic Garden is constantly evolving with new plantings and designs to add to variety, colour and interest throughout the year.

beautiful gardens Discount survived and can still be enjoyed today. High Beeches Gardens in Sussex is 27 acres of Rhododendrons, rare plants, trees and shrubs. Declared ‘outstanding’ by English Heritage, it is a well preserved example of early 20th century woodland gardens. Loose yourself in the enchantment of the gardens, it's easy to spend a day here and not notice!

In the afternoon we can progress to High Beeches. High Beeches house was destroyed by fire during WW2 when an aeroplane crashed into it, thankfully the

To book visit www.coolings.co.uk/ events or telephone 01959 532269

JUN

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Thursday 7th June 2018 £69 Per Person (includes 10% Family Card Discount) Depart 8.30am from Coolings Estimated Return: 6pm.

Includes coach, entries but not lunch or refreshments. Escorted Tour.

Cambridge Botanic Gardens

With over 40 acres to explore I’m sure we’ll all be grateful for the café and the mainly level terrain!

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This heritage-listed Garden has been designed for both year-round interest and seasonal inspiration, so we should find plants to intrigue and stimulate us however the summer season turns out.

Friday 13th July 2018 £69 Per Person (includes 10% Family Card Discount) Depart 9.30am from Coolings Estimated Return: 5.30pm.

Includes coach, entries but not lunch or refreshments. Escorted Tour.

To book visit www.coolings.co.uk/ events or telephone 01959 532269

JUL

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1 Day Excursion

Autumn Colours at Sheffield Park This informal landscape garden was originally laid out by Capability Brown. The gardens originally formed part of the estate of the adjacent Sheffield Park House, a gothic country house, which is still in private ownership.

Sheffield Park as an estate is mentioned in the Domesday Book. In August 1538, Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk, entertained Henry VIII here but is now particularly noted for its plantings of trees selected for autumn colour. In 1885 an arboretum was being established consisting of both exotic and native trees and forms the core of this display.

During World War II the house and garden became the headquarters for a Canadian armoured division, and Nissen huts were sited in the garden and woods. The estate was split up and sold in lots in 1953. The National Trust purchased approximately 40 ha in 1954, now up to 80 ha with subsequent additions. It is home to the

National Collection of Ghent Azaleas.

A general point of interest is that in 1876 the third Earl of Sheffield laid out a cricket pitch. It was used on 12 May 1884 for the first cricket match between England and Australia. The Australian team won by an innings and 6 runs, so nothing seems to have changed much, looking at the current test series!

Friday 12th October 2018 £69 Per Person (includes 10% Family Card Discount) Fri 6th October Depart 9.30am from Coolings £65 Per Person

GARDEN SERVICES: WHAT WE OFFER

Put our experienced gardeners to work in your garden Garden Tidy

From Only £190

For a flat fee, our team will visit your garden for a day and perform all those gardening tasks and chores that you can’t quite find the time to start.

Regular Maintenance From Only £27

(per man hour)

Throughout the year our experienced gardeners can come to your property for regular maintenance*1. Our team will be able to weed, mow lawns, trim hedges, prune shrubs, and give helpful advice for your garden.

Lawn Care

Estimated Return: 5pm.

Departs 9am from Coolings Includes coach, entry but not lunch or refreshments. Escorted Tour.

To book visit www.coolings.co.uk/ events or telephone 01959 532269 OCT

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We know that a perfect lawn takes a lot of hard work, but if you don’t know where to begin, Coolings can help.We can give one-off treatments, or provide ongoing, regular maintenance to keep it looking its absolute best.

Planting Enjoy the wonderful shopping experince at Coolings, but don't want to get your hands dirty? Why not have us deliver and plant you purchases. *2

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1Terms & Conditions: *1) 3 hour minimum per maintenance visit . *2) Minimum value of purchases. Distance to address may effect price.7 Maximum delivery distance may also apply.

eep Events and Excursions

Events and Excursions

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at The Gardener’s Garden Centre, Rushmore Hill

Events at Coolings Garden Centre, Rushmore Hill All of these events are FREE to attend unless otherwise stated.

Keep it Local Craft Show

Keep it Local Food & Produce Market RSPB Talk

Come, peruse and buy the best in local craft products.

A treat for all foodies!

Fri 23rd Sat 24th Sun 25th March 10am - 4.30pm Sat 24th March 9am - 1pm

We welcome a member of the Saturday 21st RSPB who will discuss general April 10am wildlife and birdwatching and how to attract wildlife to your garden.

Advice will be given on feeding and habitat.

Chislehurst Artists

Another group of local artists with an abundance of talent.

Sat 14th Sun 15th July 10am - 4pm

Keep it Local Food & Produce Market

A treat for all foodies!

Saturday 28th July 9am – 1pm

Coolings Summer Flower Exhibition Plant Sell Off

Your chance to buy some of the wonderful homegrown plants on show in this year’s exhibition

Monday 30th July 9am 5.30pm (or until stocks last!)

Forest Hill Classic Car Club Meet

Do you like your vintage cars?

Come and get a bit nostalgic with a range of cars on display (this is a pre-arranged display, so unfortunately you cannot turn up with your car on the day).

Saturday 11th August 11am - 3pm

Orpington Flower Club

Remarkable floral creations to make you question how did they do that?

Sat 18th/ Sun19th August 10am – 4pm

Come and witness the fantastic display of Morris Cars built before 1940. (This is a prearranged display, so unfortunately you cannot turn up with your car on the day).

Sunday 19th August 10am – 4pm

Guided Tour of Coolings Nursery

Coolings’ very own onsite nursery will be open for a public tour.

No need to book, meet outside Arthurs.

Thursday 26th April Tour at 2pm

Keep it Local Food & Produce Market

A treat for all foodies!

Saturday 28th April 9am - 1pm

Orchid Clinic with Dr Manos Kanellos

Does your orchid look tired?

Does it need repotting? Do you want to know how best to look after it? Dr Manos will be here to answer all your questions.

Saturday 19th May 11am 3.30pm.Talk and repotting demo at 11am and 2.30pm

Morris Register Club Meet

Keep it Local Food & Produce Market

A treat for all foodies!

Saturday 26th May 9am - 1pm

Keep it Local Food & Produce Market

A treat for all foodies!

Saturday 25th August 9am - 1pm

Keep it Local Craft Show

Come to the garden party craft show in the delightful Arthurs Garden. If weather is poor this event will be held in our glasshouse as normal.

Fri 8th Sat 9th/ Sun 10th June 10am - 4.30pm

Waggles Fun Dog Show

Think your Dog has what it takes? Why not enter at www. coolings.co.uk or grab an entry form in store at Waggles and Reception.

2nd September 1pm - 4pm

Bromley Friends of the Earth

Volunteers from Bromley Friends of the Earth will be here all day to show customers on how to improve the environment.

Saturday 9th June 10am - 4pm

Orpington Bee Keepers

Find out how you too can help the bee population, and with homemade honey!

Saturday 16th June 10am - 4pm

Keep it Local Food & Produce Market

A treat for all foodies!

Saturday 23rd June 9am - 1pm

Meet the lecturers

Coolings runs a wide range of Saturday gardening related courses, some 23rd June practical, some academic and 2pm - 4pm some just for fun. They’re all richly rewarding, both socially and in learning. Why not come along and meet our lecturers to see what it’s all about?

Coolings Summer Flower Exhibition

Come and visit our amazing House of Flowers. More details on page 15.

Friday 29th June - Sunday 29th July 9am - 5.30pm

Orpington Art Club

Can you spot the next great master? We are always amazed at the talent on display from this group.

Sat 30th June Sun 1st July 10am - 4pm

Last Night of the Primrose Proms

Evening of Music and Buffet Supper to support The Primrose Centre. Tables of 4-8. Tickets £35 Further details or to book please call Mary Spinks direct on 01689 880218 Maryspinks@primrosecentre.org.uk

Sat 7th July 7pm - 10pm

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Meet the lecturers

Coolings runs a wide range of Thursday 6th gardening related courses, some September practical, some academic and some 2pm - 4pm just for fun.They’re all richly rewarding, both socially and in learning.Why not come along and meet our lecturers to see what it’s all about?

Keep it Local Craft Show

Come, peruse and buy the best in local craft products.

Fri 14th Sat 15th Sun 16th Sept 10am – 4.30pm

Horticultural Show of Shows

The Horticultural Associations and Societies of Kent compete in a fun competition to see who really is the best. Come along and see what ‘Growing Your Own’ is all about.

Saturday 22nd September 11am - 4pm (restricted viewing from 9am)

Keep it Local Food & Produce Market

A treat for all foodies!

Saturday 22nd September 9am – 1pm

Modelfest

Trains, boats, a ride on railway, Meccano, dolls houses, vehicles and much more will be on display.

More information and to prebook for early bird discount at www.gardenofenglandmodelfest.co.uk .

Sat 29th & Sun 30th September 10am – 4pm Entry on the door: £6 per adult Children under 14 go FREE (if accompanied by a fee paying adult).

Unaccompanied children £1.

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at The Gardener’s Garden Centre, Rushmore Hill Events at Coolings Garden Centre, Rushmore Hill All of these events are FREE to attend unless otherwise stated.

Antiques Valuation Day

Celebrity TV antiques experts Catherine Southon and Mark Stacey join us to value your hidden gems.

Sunday 7th October 10am - 3pm

Orpington Art Club

Another group of local artists with an abundance of talent.

Sat 13th Sun 14th October 10am - 4pm

Antiques & Collectables Fair

Get something new or old with a wonderful selection to choose from.

Sat 20th Sun 21st October 10am - 4.30pm

Keep it Local Food & Produce Market

A treat for all foodies!

Saturday 27th October 9am – 1pm

Keep it Local Food & Produce Market

Saturday 24th November 9am – 1pm

A treat for all foodies!

Make your Christmas shopping Keep it Local easy, with a relaxed atmosphere and Christmas Craft something local and loved. Gifts for Show and Food everyone at the largest craft show Market of the year.

Fri 30th Nov/ Sat 1st/Sun 2nd December 10am - 4.30pm

Holidays and Excursions All of these events must be pre booked at www.coolings.co.uk/events or telephone 01959 532269

Great Gardens of Cornwall More information on page 14 Book at www.coolings.co.uk/events

Sunday 17th Thursday 21st June

From £1,199 per person (SAVE 10% with Coolings Family)

Spectacular French Gardens More information on page 14 Book at www.coolings.co.uk/events

Thursday 13th - Monday 17th September

From £1,199 per person (SAVE 10% with Coolings Family)

Borde Hill and High Beeches More information on page 4 Book at www.coolings.co.uk/events

Thursday 7th June

£69 per person (includes 10% Family discount)

Cambridge Botanic Gardens More information on page 5 Book at www.coolings.co.uk/events

Friday 13th July

Autumn Colours at Sheffield Park More information on page 6 Book at www.coolings.co.uk/events

Friday 12th October

Theatre in the Garden All of these events must be pre booked at www.coolings.co.uk/events or telephone 01959 532269

The Tempest (See page 10) Book at www.coolings.co.uk/events

Sunday 3rd June at 7pm (Gates open from 6.00pm)

Adults £17.99, Children 15 & under £5.99 Family Ticket (2 adults & 2 children) £39.99

The Merchant of Venice (See page 11) Book at www.coolings.co.uk/events

Saturday 23rd June at 7pm (Gates open from 6.00pm)

Adults £17.99, Children 15 & under £5.99 Family Ticket (2 adults & 2 children) £39.99

The Pirates of Penzance (See page 12) Book at www.coolings.co.uk/events

Sunday 12th August at 7pm (Gates open from 6.00pm)

Adults £17.99, Children 15 & under £5.99 Family Ticket (2 adults & 2 children) £39.99

The Hound of the Baskervilles (See page 13) Book at www.coolings.co.uk/events

Sunday 2nd September at 7pm (Gates open from 6.00pm)

Adults £17.99, Children 15 & under £5.99 Family Ticket (2 adults & 2 children) £39.99

Attend 3 Theatre in the Garden events for the price of 2!

The Tempest

Cambridge Botanic Garden

£69 per person (includes 10% Family discount)

The Pirates of Penzance

£69 per person (includes 10% Family discount) Borde Hill

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JUNE

Theatre in the Garden: The Tempest

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By William Shakespeare. Performed by Oddsocks.

Shakespeare’s tale of illusion and revenge is brought vividly to life in Oddsocks’ musical, Sci-fi adaptation.

From the company who brought you Attend 3 “downright funny” Macbeth. Experience Theatre The Tempest like never before as you‘re in the transported far off to a distant universe!

Garden On board the spaceship you’ll find Prospero; an ageing Astronaut, his fearless daughter Miranda and a host of madcap aliens, some of whom have murder on their mind!

Prepare for launch, get on your space suits and take one small step for man, one giant leap for Shakespeare!

events for the price of 2!

Sunday 3rd June 2018 Gates open at 6.00pm.

Performance starts at 7.00pm.

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Arthurs garden at Coolings Running time: Approx 2hrs with a 10 min interval Suitable for: Adults / Children 7+ Adults £17.99 Per Person Children 15 & under £5.99 Family ticket (2 adults & 2 children) £39.99

To book visit www.coolings.co.uk/ events or telephone 01959 532269 JUN

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Theatre in the Garden: The Merchant of Venice

By William Shakespeare Performed by Illyria The Merchant of Venice is a funny play that deals with serious issues. Wealthy Antonio borrows money from Shylock, and is so confident about paying it back that he jokingly enters into a ridiculous agreement: that he will give Shylock a pound of his flesh should he default. Then events conspire against him so that he cannot repay the loan.

Meanwhile Bassanio risks everything in the hope of winning the hand of Portia in marriage. Admittedly he succeeds - but Sunday 23rd June 2018 Gates open at 6.00pm.

Performance starts at 7.00pm.

Arthurs garden at Coolings Running time: 2 hrs 20 mins with a 20 min interval Suitable for: Adults / Children 7+ Adults £17.99 Per Person Children 15 & under £5.99 Family ticket (2 adults & 2 children) £39.99

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when she gives him a ring to keep, and he is compelled to give it away, what is the future for their domestic bliss? Shakespeare’s great courtroom drama is by turns thrilling, funny, romantic and unsettling. International awardwinning Illyria promise a production to keep you on the edge of your seat!

Attend 3 Theatre in the Garden events for the price of 2!

To book visit www.coolings.co.uk/ events or telephone 01959 532269 11

SEP

Theatre in the Garden: The Pirates of Penzance

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By Gilbert & Sullivan. Performed by Illyria Frederick, apprenticed to the Pirates since a child, reaches the age of 21 and announces to the Pirate King that it is his duty leave them, to seek his fortune in a more wholesome way than piracy. He reaches land and finds Major Stanley's beautiful daughters, falling in love with Mabel the most beautiful of them.

But then he learns that he was born on 29th February, and that he is contracted to the Pirate King until his 21st BIRTHDAY, not his 21st year… With hilarious melodrama, sharp satire and glittering wit, "The Pirates of Penzance" is as fresh as if it had been written today. It is packedfull of memorable songs such as "To be a Pirate King!"; "Modern Major General" and "A Policeman's Lot is Not a Happy One”.

Attend 3 Theatre in the Garden events for the price of 2!

1 Day Excursion

Sun 12th August 2018 Gates open at 6.00pm.

Performance starts at 7.00pm.

Arthurs garden at Coolings Running time: 2 hrs 10 mins with a 20 min interval Suitable for: Adults / Children 7+ Adults £17.99 Per Person Children 15 & under £5.99 Family ticket (2 adults & 2 children) £39.99

To book visit www.coolings.co.uk/ events or telephone 01959 532269 AUG Discount

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Theatre in the Garden: The Hound of the Baskervilles

By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Performed by Illyria Who killed Sir Charles Baskerville? Can anyone prevent the same fate befalling the young Sir Henry Baskerville? Is a monstrous hound really roaming Dartmoor? Why is someone systematically stealing Sir Henry’s shoes? And how does a ghostly hound manage to leave vast paw-prints and other unwelcome evidence of its existence? The original and greatest literary detective of them all, Sherlock Holmes, and his assistant Doctor Watson, tackle the most baffling Attend 3 case of their careers in this faithful, Theatre cheeky but chilling adaptation... in the Sun 2nd September 2018 Gates open at 6.00pm.

Performance starts at 7.00pm.

Garden events for the price of 2!

Arthurs garden at Coolings Running time: 2 hrs 15 mins with a 20 min interval Suitable for: Adults / Children 7+ Adults £17.99 Per Person Children 15 & under £5.99 Family ticket (2 adults & 2 children) £39.99

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To book visit www.coolings.co.uk/ events or telephone 01959 532269 13

Excursions with Coolings

Summer Flower Exhibition

“Why not experience something different with Coolings this year? With a selection of exciting excursions and wonderful holidays there really is something for everyone”.

7 truly beautiful gardens in 5 days!

In between our forays out into the wilds of Cornwall and its garden treasures, we will be staying at the superb Carlyon Bay Hotel and Spa/Golf course to enjoy sheer pampering and pleasure. Gardens include: Trebah, Trewidden, Bonython, Tregrehan and Marsh Villa Gardens.

Full details: www.coolings.co.uk/events

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Oooh la la’ – you’re in for a treat!

Join us for this amazing, once in a lifetime trip as we not only visit the world renowned, Palace of Versailles and its formal gardens, but we will also enjoy visits to a number of other spectacular French gardens and sites including the Garden at Giverny and the Château Champ du Bataille. Our base will be the four-star Hotel Pullman Château De Versailles where we will enjoy bed and breakfast accommodation.

Full details: www.coolings.co.uk/events

Carlyon Bay Hotel

Château Champ du Bataille

Trebah Gardens

Giverny Gardens

Great Gardens of Cornwall – 5 Day Excursion

Spectacular French Gardens – 5 Day Excursion

Price from £1,199 per person

Price from £1,199 per person

SAVE 10% with Coolings Family 14

Many of our customers love telling us how at home they feel when they come to visit us, and now that many of you are part of our Coolings Family we are celebrating by inviting you all to visit our house…of flowers!

Welcome

This year our Summer Flower Exhibition will be a spectacular house full of flowers all homegrown by our team here at Coolings.

We love showing off the best of what we’ve grown to support our chosen charity which for 2018 is Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) in memory of Evan Shonfield who worked with us in Arthurs before his very sad and sudden death last year at the age of 20.

We look forward to taking you on a tour round our very colour co-ordinated, 14,000ft² house filled with more than 300 home grown flowers – make sure you wipe your feet on the way in!

Bonython

Opens Fri 29th June Closes Sun 29th July Open everyday 9am - 5pm

Horticultural Show of Shows

Bonython

Sunday 17th – Thursday 21st June 2018

Coolings House of Flowers

Palace of Versailles

Thursday 13th – Monday 17th Sept' 2018 SAVE 10% with Coolings Family

Our Horticultural 'Show of Shows' is now in its 6th year and is your opportunity to see the best that Kent's Horticultural Societies have to offer. Categories range from flowers, fruit and vegetables, to cakes.You may even want to enter something for yourself. Maybe you make a mean cake, have grown a prize winning marrow, are creative with flowers, have a keen eye for photography, or maybe you are crafty/ enjoy painting - then enter your creations into the appropriate category. We'd love to see them and you may even earn yourself a prize!

This year's show is on Saturday 22nd September 2018 and will be open to the public from 9.00am (restricted viewing until 11am), so if you have a love of gardening and want to peruse some of the best produce Kent has to offer, this is the perfect opportunity.

If you are inspired to enter something for yourself then visit www.coolings.co.uk and

download the show schedule. Categories include: • Flowers • Vegetables • Fruit • Flower Arrangement • Produce • Baking • Craft • Painting • Photography

There are also categories for our junior entries (all children’s classes are split into two age groups: 5-10 years & 11-16 years). Lots of opportunity over the summer holidays to perfect their entries (and keep them busy!!).

Sat 22nd September Restricted viewing from 9am - 11 noon. Fully open to public from 11am - 3pm

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New for 2018! Book Now! Lifestyle Courses at Coolings

Creative Flower Photography

Writing your own Novel

Building your Family Tree

Key events to look out for this

Theatre in the Garden Events The Tempest - Sun 3rd June The Merchant of Venice - Sat 23rd June The Pirates of Penzance - Sun 12th Aug The Hound of the Baskervilles - Sun 2nd Sept 16www.coolings.co.uk/events

Waggles Fun Dog Show Sunday 2nd September

1pm - 4pm

Think your Dog has what it takes? Why not enter at www.coolings.co.uk or grab an entry form in store at Waggles and Reception.

Summer!

Coolings House of Flowers Open Friday 29th June Sunday 29th July

9am - 5pm

Come and feel at home by visiting our house...of flowers.

Showcasing many of the homegrown flowers we grow on site at Coolings.