PRIVATE gardens in Caldy will open to the public this weekend to raise funds for the creation of a reminiscence village helping dementia patients at a Wirral day care centre.

Visitors will get the rare opportunity to stroll around 13 gardens in the area on Sunday, between 1-6pm.

Proceeds from the day will go to Sandhills, part of Hoylake Cottage, in Hoylake, which plans to create the reminiscence village - This fully functioning village, complete with café, bank, general shop, cinema space, post office, park and more will enable those with dementia to wander freely around in a safe, relaxed environment.

However, Sarah Cliffe, aged 38, Sandhills’ Manager, with over 22 years’ experience in dementia care, is a woman on a mission!

Sarah’s vision is to push the boundaries of dementia care and create a reminiscence village at Hoylake Cottage.

She said: "We have a couple of reminiscence rooms, most recently Kenny's Bar, and have seen first-hand the really positive effects these rooms have.

"A whole village would help clients feel free and be independent, enabling them to go about daily tasks in a safe environment.

"I have always felt the stigma with day care is people sitting around sleeping all day.

"My vision is to see people active, socialising, staying mobile and most of all having fun!

"I want people to feel they've had a fun, proactive day in a place where their illness is irrelevant."

To fulfil their vision, Hoylake Cottage needs to raise £100,000.

The fundraising was kick-started with a £10,000 grant from the National Lotto and a concert.

Sunday's open garden event in Calday will feature a sale of home grown plants, a display of owls native to Wirral, an art display, barbecue and more.

For children, as well as the owl display, there will be owl pocket money treats plus a free I-Spy Owl Trail round the gardens.

Tickets, which include a 12-page colour programme, are £6 in advance from shops around Wirral until Friday and £7.50 on the day. Under 16s will be admitted free.

For more information contact Rachel Summers on 0151 625 7604 or caldyopengardens@gmail.com