A STUNNING display of snowdrops has been spotted out of season at Chirk Castle but for a good reason.
Nightingale House Hospice has launched its annual Sunshine Meadow campaign, hosted by National Trust Cymru, with 1,000 beautiful candlelit snowdrops on display at Chirk Castle.
This year, from from June 3-30, people are invited to dedicate their own everlasting hand-crafted snowdrop, which can be purchased from the Wrexham hospice, in return for a donation of £30. The snowdrop could be a touching tribute to the life of a loved one or a beautiful gift for someone loved and treasured every day.
Nightingale House Hospice's Sunshine Meadow snowdrops at Chirk Castle. Photo: National Trust Images
Delyth Underwood, community fundraiser for Nightingale House, said: "Not everything is long lasting. Sometimes people come into your life to show you what is right and what is wrong, to show you who you can be, to teach you to love yourself, to make you feel better for a little while, or to just be someone to walk with at night and spill your life to. Not everyone is going to stay forever, and we still have to keep on going and thank them for what they've given us.
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"If someone comes into your life and makes a lasting impression on you, you are always going to be thankful for the joy they brought into your life. I think our Sunshine Meadow is an opportunity to celebrate that joy and love with an everlasting memento and bring a smile remembering."
The Sunshine Meadow campaign began five years ago when 1,000 everlasting sunflowers were installed at Chirk Castle. Since then, the flower of choice has varied with poppies, bluebells and last year forget-me-nots displayed at nearby National Trust property Erddig.
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Once the display ends, the snowdrops will be available to collect as a lasting keepsake from Nightingale House Hospice later this year.
Those purchasing a flower will also be able to enter their dedication into a Sunshine Meadow Book of celebrations, which will be available to complete at Chirk Castle on June 10 and 11, from 11am-3pm and Wednesday, June 28, from 11am-3pm, or at the hospice all year round after the meadow has ended.
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Sue Jones, volunteer and community manager for Chirk Castle and Erddig, said: "We are delighted to host the Nightingale House Hospice sunshine meadow again. The snowdrops look spectacular outside of the castle and will help raise some much-needed financial support for the hospice."
"Our relationship with Nightingale House Hospice continues to flourish as we look for ways we can enable patients and families to use special places in our care to boost their wellbeing, from bereavement support through nature to supported walks in the grounds."
The snowdrops will be on display outside the portcullis at Chirk Castle until June 30.
You can purchase a snowdrop directly from the hospice by visiting their webpage: nightingalehouse.co.uk/event/sunshine-2023/
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