GAZETTE & HERALD: LORD Lansdowne has been given a commemorative fork to mark the 30th anniversary of the Rhododendron Walks at Bowood being part of the National Gardens Scheme.

Brigadier Arthur Gooch of the Wiltshire NGS presented Lord Lansdowne with the fork, to accompany a trowel presented ten years ago.

Lord Lansdowne, whose family celebrate the 250th anniversary of ownership of Bowood this year, said: "We are delighted to be able to share the beauty of these wonderful gardens."

Each year the Bowood Rhododendron Walks are opened for one day in aid of the NGS.

Records show that on June 2 1941, visitors to Bowood's famous gardens and grounds raised £5. 2s. 2d. for the scheme which raises money for nursing and gardening charities.