THERE’S a sadly appropriate note in news that  a garden soirée and open garden weekend will be held at a local property, “Terroux” in Wallaroo Road, Hall, to  aid the Wallaroo Bushfire Brigade as well as Canberra Refugee Support.

Terroux owners Barbara Baikie and Peter Fletcher began using their garden as a venue for fundraising events last year and this year joined the Open Gardens Australia organisation to further develop their charitable work.

“Terroux” will be open over the weekend of October 26-27  from 10am to 4pm and sculptures by artists Jeffrey Frith, Monika Leone, John Payne and Donal Simpson will be on display throughout the gardens.

The ‘garden soirée’, a ticketed event, will be held on Saturday,  October 26 from 5pm to 7pm. Entertainment is by well-known local singer  Chanel Cole, accompanied by pianist-husband Adam Cook, African drummer Felix Machiridza and the Canberra Mandolin Orchestra.

Visitors are welcome to wander through the gardens and to stay on for a Devonshire tea which will be available for purchase both days. Members of the Wallaroo Bushfire Brigade will be in attendance to welcome visitors. Local wines and light snacks will be served.

The soiree will also be the occasion of the launch of  the book, “Altitude – Two Women’s Journey on Mount Kilimanjaro,” by Barbara Baikie and Dolores Cummins.

“Terroux” will be open on  October 26-27  from 10am to 4pm, admission charge $7. The ‘garden soirée’, 5pm, October 26, bookings essential to 0419 477 959, $70 per person.