STAFF and volunteers from Ronald McDonald House Newcastle made a special trip up to the Manning last week to visit George Hoad's 'Winchelsea Gardens' at Killabakh.
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George has been working long days over the past few weeks to ensure the gardens were in top order for his special guests.
Despite the deluge on the Saturday night, which flattened a few beds, the gardens were looking good and much admired on the day.
The visitors were greeted with a delicious Devonshire tea upon arrival and after a walk and talk around the gardens, the visitors were treated to a yummy lunch, followed by a song or two from their serenading host!
As usual, George's mother Janice had cooked up a storm, with assistance from Killabakh neighbours.
George has become good friends with many of the staff and volunteers at the House over the years and commented, "It was a treat to host such a wonderful group of warm friendly people, who generously give their time, care and compassion to such a worthwhile organisation."
George has supported Ronald McDonald House Northern NSW for many years, raising over $40,000, largely through garden open days.
Ronald McDonald House Newcastle provides a 'home away from home' to families of children receiving hospital treatment for serious and life threatening conditions.
Also visiting was Rhiannon Curtis, coordinator of the Ronald McDonald Family Retreat at Forster, which also comes under the Northern NSW chapter.
"What a perfect way to get over 'hump day blues' by taking a relaxing day out of the city and making the trip to Winchelsea Gardens," PR/events manager, Rohan Bingham enthused.
"Our staff and volunteers have a long association with our host and 'gardener extraordinaire' George and were looking forward to seeing first hand his beautiful garden - we were not disappointed!
"We were utterly spoilt with a personalised guided tour of the gardens, with stories along the way, Janice's fine cooking and at the conclusion of our day, left with a generous $500 donation back to our charity - thanks to George.
"Every time we have a family from the Taree/Wingham area staying with us at Ronald McDonald House I think to myself, 'thank you George' and the generous community up this way for helping make it possible."