Hillier Garden Centres in the South of England are set to host a unique form of community involvement this month. Seven Hillier branches have linked up with sportsmen and women from their local fencing clubs to stage live displays of the dramatic Olympic sport amongst the summer bedding.
There will be lunging and parrying on impromptu pistes in planterias at Hillier Bath, Braishfield, Eastbourne, Horsham, Newbury, Sunningdale and Winchester with displays by the experts and ‘have-a-go’ sessions for Hillier customers.
These events are taking place to celebrate Hillier’s Garden Exhibit ‘Duel and the Crown’ at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2012, in partnership with Beazley, sponsor of the British Fencing Team.
“Why should Chelsea visitors have all the fun?!” says Andrew McIndoe, Managing Director of Hillier Nurseries. “Since our Chelsea exhibit will feature live fencing displays by members of the British Fencing team throughout Chelsea week, we thought we would bring a touch of the Chelsea excitement and drama to our garden centre customers. And making links with local fencing clubs is a fun and innovative way to further expand our local customer base.”
The Fencing Schedule at Hillier Garden Centres
Hillier Bath: Bath Sword Club -12 May 2-4pm
Hillier Braishfield: Club Escrime Winchester – 20 May 2-4pm
Hillier Eastbourne: Eastbourne Fencing Club – 26 May 2-4pm
Hillier Horsham: Crawley Fencing Club – 20 May 2-4pm
Hillier Newbury: Newbury Fencing Club – 12 May 1.30-3.30pm
Hillier Sunningdale: Egham Fencing Club – 19 May 10am-12pm
Hillier Winchester: Club Escrime Winchester – 20 May 10.30am-12.30pm