In an event now in its third year, Nick Mason last weekend opened his gardens to the public, with the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust, and Youth Action Wiltshire, becoming some £15,000 better off.

More than 2,500 people took the opportunity to have a stroll around Nick's grounds, paying £5 each entrance fee. BD regular Ian McKenzie was amongst those present, and kindly sent over his thoughts on the day, along with some pictures of the event. Staffed by volunteers, the event was well-run, with decent free parking within walking distance. The house itself - Middlewick House in Corsham, Wiltshire - was out of bounds, but the public could walk around almost everywhere else.

Many of Nick's cars, and his helicopter, were on display. In total, there were six different garden areas plus a couple of paddocks with horses, two riding arenas, a football pitch, a tennis court and a woodland area. Sculptor Hamish Mackie had also supplied some of his pieces for people to enjoy.

Also in his garden were a number of stalls selling food, produce, arts and crafts, etc., and attendees got to see his pigs too!

Jennie Shaw, director of the Bobby Van Trust, said "I certainly would say that the Middlewick Open Gardens weekend is one of the most memorable events I organise for the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust and that sharing the event this year with the Youth Action Wiltshire Team and the young carers made it particularly special. It takes a lot of volunteers to make the event a success it is and I will always remain grateful to them. One of the many highlights for me was watching Nick tapping his foot when the Corsham Wind band played an excellent medley of Pink Floyd songs."

She added: "Nick and Annette Mason are extraordinarily generous in welcoming visitors to their home, and by giving us all the opportunity to view some of Nick's high performance cars and classic cars whilst raising vital funds for two very special local charities."