Ceramic daffodil installation at Lowther

A bold and highly imaginative ceramic daffodil installation is to be shown at Cumbria’s Lowther Castle next year taking its inspiration from Wordsworth’s eponymous poem.

The installation which runs from 24th April 2023 until 24th June 2023 has been put together by Dockray-based potter Helen Ratcliffe and aims to raise funds for six charities. The event is based on the hugely successful Poppies at the Tower of London, which raised an impressive amount for charity.

Event organiser Helen commented that from a fund-raising and practical point of view, Ten Thousand Daffodils presents an incredible challenge but believes that the six charities are doing such important work that they deserve all the ‘sweat and tears we can offer’. Helen said: “Along with Lowther Castle as our partner venue, we look forward to a truly rewarding adventure.”

The six charities supported are: Another Way (working in education on the environment); Sunbeams Music Trust, (aims to improve the physical, mental and social wellbeing and skills of severely disabled and disadvantaged people through music); Friends of the Ullswater Way (celebrates all that makes the heritage and landscape of the Ullswater Valley); The New Horizon Youth Centre (supporting 16-24 year olds who are homeless or unsafe in London); James’ Place, (aims to make sure that help is available for every man facing a suicidal crises and to support them to find hope for the future.)

The organisers have also launched a schools Design-a-Daffodil competition aimed at young people from primary schools, secondary schools, further education colleges and from all kinds of youth groups. Entries will be judged by the High Sheriff of Cumbria, Alan McViety and Lowther Castle Head Gardener, Andrea Brunsendorf.

Of the competition, Helen Ratcliffe said: “We are keen to have as many people as possible involved with Ten Thousand Daffodils. Our fund-raising goals are ambitious. We also believe strongly that this is an event about community, about people pulling together to do something good. In this spirit, we look forward to receiving lots of entries from schools and youth groups across the UK.

Competition details can be found on: visit www.tenthousanddaffodils.org/competition
For information on Lowther Castle please visit: https://lowthercastle.org/

Image credits: ©Reckless Gardener