CHERITON Fitzpaine Ladies' Evening Organization (CLEO) recently had an evening visit to the Newton St Cyres Arboretum, before having supper at the Bellino restaurant.  

The original arboretum was established adjacent to the churchyard and connected by a bridge over the road to Newton House.   

When the Quicke family moved away from the house the arboretum became neglected for some 40 years.   

However, a voluntary group has cleared the undergrowth and tended the trees, which include magnolia and camellias.   

In 2017 a new all-weather pathway was installed to improve access for wheelchairs and push chairs.

The best time of the year to visit is in spring when the daffodils and azaleas are out, but we found plenty to see and enjoyed the evening. 

In other news, Rebecca and Craig Jones, who live in a cottage near Dowrich, opened their "Wild Garden" in aid of Hospiscare recently.   

A field which was completely overgrown is gradually being transformed into a pretty garden. 

Refreshments were on offer, supplied by friends Dan and Emma, and several visitors settled down for a chat with dogs in tow. 

By Mary Nunn