One illustration of how circumstances can positively conspire comes tomorrow (Saturday) when Alison Botha and her husband, Frank, of the Isle of Wight, UK, open up their garden to the public.
This is no ordinary garden opening either.
It came about after the couple forged links with the Gambian community of Jalanbang, near Brikama and their friendship grew like topsy, becoming a passion.
As a result of their early support for the community, they were presented with the traditional Gambian clothing they will be wearing on the day.
They are trying to raise £2,000 to sink a borehole to provide the life-saving and changing gift of clean water.
“From a holiday, which can be seen as a selfish thing, grew our fundraising to support a community of 300 people,” said Alison.
“I hope people will enjoy our garden. Not least it has a rambling rector rose, which is scrambling over an old, split apple tree, which was planted in 1830 when the house was built.
“Within the third of an acre is a bird-feeding area, complete with its 80 starlings, yellowhammers and yellow finches.
“We have been supported by all sorts of businesses with raffle prizes and plants for sale and refreshments.”
Nearby Springbank Nursery has also agreed people can park there and Ladybird Taxis will be part of a shuttle taking people from Springbank to the Crossways garden at Apse Heath.
