We are delighted to announce that in we've raised £1,688 in the local community of Swindon

Every year at Drove Vets we fundraise for a different local Charity. Last year Twigs Community Garden were nominated by our staff to be our charity of the year.

Through fundraising at our charity open day, our Purple Poppy appeal and charity tins on reception at all our branches we raised an incredible £1,688!!!!!!!

Twigs outside space in their community gardens next to Manor Garden Centre in Swindon, gives people who experience mental health problems the chance to regain confidence, self-esteem and to learn new skills.

Twigs will be using our donation towards the re-covering one of their polytunnels, which enables them to grow plants and work in the dry throughout the colder winter months.

Twigs sent us the loveliest thank you letter at the end of the year:

"Huge thanks to everyone at Drove Vets for raising an amazing £1,688.17 over the past year for TWIGS (Therapeutic Work In Gardening in Swindon) and its work to restore mental wellbeing through gardening therapy. We are so very grateful for your support. The funds you have raised for us will go a long way to repairing one of the polytunnels that was so badly damaged in last winter’s gales – and although it is not yet done, we do now have a date – and, thanks to you, the money to pay for it to be done!"

You may have visited the gardens at TWIGS – that peaceful oasis in Cheney Manor - or the wonderful Olive Tree Café (which also supports people with poor mental health) as a result of the publicity; if not, please do! They are both such lovely places. The gardens are open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am – 3.30pm and the Olive Tree is open every day except Monday from 9.30am – 3.00pm.

See the gallery of images below, of Twigs, our open day at our veterinary hospital in Wroughton and of one of our Veterinary Nurse's dogs, Angus showing off his wonderful Purple Poppy.

**EDIT! We are pleased to share the latest update with you - Twigs have now had their polytunnels refurbished using the funds raised in the local community last year to secure this important aspect of the gardens hopefully, for many years to come!