This year’s Open Gardens at Nick Mason’s Middlewick House on 6-7 June raised a record total for two of our important local charities – the Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance and the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust.
Since 2013 this annual event, held at Middlewick House in Corsham has given those of us who have any interest in cars, particularly historic and famous Ferraris, Bugattis and many more, or some of the great rock music of the past seventy years a unique opportunity as Middlewick House is now owned by Nick and Anette Mason, and Nick is the drummer of Pink Floyd, and a world famous collector of some of the greatest cars ever made, particularly Ferraris.
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.
Over the years it has become incredibly popular, greater numbers every year and this year special measures were introduced to reduce congestion around the event.
It’s now part of the (local) calendar but it attracts many from far afield as it offers us all the chance to see at close quarters some of the greatest and most famous cars – ever to take to a track or road. And also visit a house that is now indelibly linked to royalty. In two ways: Nick and Anette Mason bought Middlewick House over thirty years ago from our current Queen – Camilla and her then husband Andrew Parker Bowles. But no-one could ever deny or argue that Nick Mason is anything other that Rock Royalty. His band, Pink Floyd are one of the best known and biggest selling bands of all time, creators of ‘Dark Side of The Moon’, ‘Wish You Were Here’, ‘The Wall’, ‘Meddle’ and many more of arguably the greatest albums ever recorded. So Middlewick House and royalty are now almost synonymous.
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.”
For more information about either the Wiltshire & Bath Air Ambulance or the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust just click the links
Samaritans Garden Party – 11 July – to help keep those ears open
