Penzance’s Tremenheere gives every ticket to Nepal flood families

Every ticket sold at one of west Cornwall’s best-loved gardens this coming Sunday will end up a world away, with families in Nepal who lost their homes to flash floods.

Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens near Penzance is dedicating its next charity open day, on Sunday 25 October at the start of half term, to Cornish disaster relief charity ShelterBox and its emergency response in Nepal.

📷Visitors inside the James Turrell Skyspace. Credit: Alban Roinard

Staff vote for Nepal

The gardens hold two charity open days a year, with all garden admissions donated to a chosen cause. This October, staff voted unanimously to back families affected by the recent floods, which have claimed lives, destroyed homes and left thousands of people displaced.

Tom Heale, at Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens, said: “After hearing about the devastation in Nepal with thousands losing their homes and loved ones, we were really eager to help. It’s difficult to imagine the fear and uncertainty families are facing after the floods.

“Our half term open day seemed like the perfect opportunity to raise funds for the vital work that ShelterBox is doing in the country, and we encourage visitors to come along on the 25 October to help raise money to support families as they begin the long journey to recovery.”

What families in Nepal are facing

Nearly 1,500 people have lost their lives and more than 5,000 are still missing after the flash floods, which washed away homes and livelihoods. Many families have been left displaced and facing an uncertain future.

And the weather hasn’t let up. Continued heavy rainfall has triggered renewed flooding, landslides and road blockages across affected districts, making it harder for humanitarian teams to reach people and delaying relief operations.

As well as helping families meet their immediate shelter needs, ShelterBox is focusing on longer-term help for people likely to remain displaced or living in inadequate shelter as temperatures begin to fall.

Where the money goes

John Stanbury, Community Engagement Officer at ShelterBox, said: “We’re extremely grateful to everyone at Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens for choosing to support our Nepal appeal. The money raised will help provide shelter and essential aid to families who have lost everything in the floods.

“Safe shelter is the foundation for recovery. It helps families protect themselves from the elements, maintain their dignity and prepare for colder temperatures in the months ahead.”

A Cornish charity working in 18 countries

ShelterBox was founded in Cornwall in 2000 and still has its operational headquarters here, along with 13 affiliate organisations worldwide. It has been Rotary International’s project partner in disaster relief since 2012.

In that time it has supported more than three million people affected by disaster and conflict in around 100 countries, providing emergency shelter and essential household items.

The charity is currently supporting people in 18 countries. As well as families who lost their homes in Nepal, that includes people hit by earthquakes in Venezuela and the Philippines, and by conflict in Yemen, Sudan and Somalia.

About Tremenheere

Tremenheere sits in a sheltered valley near Penzance overlooking St Michael’s Mount, with woods and a stream running through an evolving programme of contemporary artwork. Alongside the sculpture gardens there’s a gallery, shop, nursery and restaurant.

Anyone who can’t make it on the day can find out more or donate at shelterbox.org.

📷View from the Pagoda, Tremenheere Sculpture Garden. Credit: Karl Davies