AN EDWARDIAN experience was given to volunteers of the Children's Hospice and Launceston and Tavistock Friends Groups to celebrate the completion of a new house in 1906 and the current ongoing restoration of its garden.

Coombe Trenchard Manor, in Lewtrenchard, was owned by Mr and Mrs Sperling in 1906. Mr and Mrs Marsh are restoring its gardens and shared the progress made with the event.

Many of the visitors dressed in Edwardian attire and were welcomed with elderflower champagne, followed by a walk in the extensive gardens to talk to artists at work, see a variety of sculptures and take part in a game of croquet.

Afternoon tea was served on the terrace with piano music as entertainment.

The third house of Children's Hospice South West was opened last year in Cornwall to supplement those in Devon and Bristol which offer care and support for life limited children all over the South West. Its annual running cost of £2-million is raised in part by small events.