A Kind Donation Brings Joy To Children With Learning Difficulties

4 April, 2023

Article by:
David McAuley, CEO, British Deer Society

A Kind Donation Brings Joy To Children With Learning Difficulties

In 2023 an exciting new art trail is coming to Furzey Gardens, Minstead, Lyndhurst, Hampshire. The trail will see over 20 four-foot, artist-decorated, fairy doors displayed in the gardens to thrill visitors of all ages. Selected artists have now been chosen and are working hard to bring their designs to life.

The trail will run from 27 May to 3 September 2023 and will feature a huge range of door designs in the gardens and on local high streets. One artist is Robynne Willowby, Gadabout Arts. Robynne contacted BDS last week to ask if we had antlers we could give her to help finish her Arthur Conan Doyle Sherlock-Holmes-themed door. Arthur Conan Doyle is buried in All Saints churchyard in Minstead, hence the Sherlock Holmes theme.

During the same week, Robynne contacted BDS, Dick Carne the son of Peter Carne, one of the BDS founding members, donated some of his father’s books and antlers to the society, something his father had requested. Thanks to Dick and his father’s generosity, we were able to give a set of fallow antlers to Robynne to help complete her door and at the same time, support a charity that works with children with learning difficulties.

It is a wonderful story that we should all celebrate. 60 years after Peter helped to set up the charity, his son’s donation was able to help a local artist, help local children and hopefully bring a smile to all who visit Furzey Gardens Fairy Trail.