Record-breaking Middlewick Open Garden Raises Over £245,000 for Local Charities

The 2026 Middlewick House Open Garden event has helped generate a record-breaking total of just over £245,000 for Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity and The Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust.  

Nick and Annette Mason welcomed thousands of visitors to their Wiltshire home in support of the two local causes, making this year’s event – held on 6-7 June - the most successful event in its history. 

The sums raised, which will be split equally between the two charities, surpassed last year’s bumper figure of £200,000.  

The popular Corsham-based event – which first took place in 2013 – attracted over 9,000 visitors across the weekend, with some guests travelling from across the world. They were able to explore the stunning garden, local stalls and various attractions, while supporting two charities that make a huge difference to local communities. 

As long-standing ambassadors for both charities, Nick and Annette Mason once again hosted the event to help raise awareness and essential funds for the lifesaving and life-changing services each organisation provides. 

Following feedback from previous years, significant changes were introduced to improve the visitor experience and reduce congestion around the event, which is sponsored by Grist Environmental of Devizes, with additional sponsorship support from Nickel Design and Perspective South West.  

Working in partnership with Wiltshire Police, Wiltshire Council, plus local landowners Steve Jones and William Taylor, a new dedicated entrance was introduced from the Chippenham direction. This improved traffic management and, along with additional AA signage, ensured visitors could access Middlewick Lane safely and smoothly. 

The arrangements worked extremely well, with no reports of lengthy queues and minimal disruption to local roads. The success of the traffic management plan helped create a positive experience for visitors. 

Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity's Bell 429 helicopter and crew were also based at the event across the weekend, giving visitors the chance to take a closer look at the aircraft and learn more about the Charity's lifesaving work.  

Importantly, the crew remained fully operational and on call throughout the weekend and were deployed to emergency missions to Bath, Salisbury, Melksham and Pewsey, demonstrating the vital role the service plays in the community. 

Barbara Gray, chief executive of Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity, said: "We are incredibly grateful to everyone who made this year's Middlewick Open Garden such an outstanding success. 

"To raise a record-breaking £245,000 is simply phenomenal and will make a real difference to both charities and the people we support across our communities. 

"We listened carefully to feedback following the 2025 event and worked closely with our partners to improve traffic management and the overall visitor experience. We're delighted these changes were so well received and helped make the day even more enjoyable for everyone. 

“We are incredibly grateful to Nick and Annette for their continued support and generosity. Events like Middlewick House Open Garden bring communities together and help ensure we can continue providing vital critical medical care by land and air across Wiltshire and Bath. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this year's event such a success." 

Jennie Shaw, Director at The Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust, said: "This event continues to demonstrate what can be achieved when charities, volunteers, businesses and the local community come together. The support shown throughout the weekend has been outstanding.  

“We want to thank Wiltshire Police, Wiltshire Council, Steve Jones and William Taylor for helping us introduce improvements this year, which made a real difference to visitors and local residents alike. Every pound raised will help us continue protecting and supporting vulnerable people across Wiltshire and Swindon, helping them live safely and independently in their own homes." 

The organisers would also like to express a huge thanks to the incredible staff, volunteers, event sponsors, Ten Tenths, exhibitors, local businesses and residents – and the people of Corsham – whose support helped make the event possible.