This was the first event for the 2026 Gay Outdoor Club's Annual Outdoor Gathering, based at Warwick University. With near 70 signed up, I knew that this was to be very special day of greeting friends old and new. We spotted fellow members as we pulled into the car park and this was the case for the rest of the visit – people popping up all over the place. Like us, many only meet at the AOG, so lots of hugs, catching up with news over the past year.

Many had lunch before we all assembled for a ‘meet & greet’ on the steps of the outdoor theatre, and to have our group photo taken. A big thank you to the clever Bernardo who has a way of ensuring that everyone present, including whoever takes the photo, are in the picture!

We then broke up into smaller groups to explore the garden at our leisure. We wandered around, bumping into others in different places. As we are in the middle of a drought, many of the plants were struggling. I was so tempted on more than one occasion to go in search of a watering can to give wilting plants a drink.

Hidcote is a jewel of historic gardens. Covering an area of 10.5 acres, the garden takes visitors on a journey through intimate formal areas revealing a different atmosphere or new vista at every turn. Smaller, more formal garden ‘rooms’ near the house, give way to more natural areas that blend in with the surrounding countryside further away.

We reassembled at the agreed time in the café for refreshments, and it was lovely to see people, many who had met for the first time, chatting away comfortably, relaxed in each others company.

Soon it was time to depart and head to Warwick University to check in. A wonderful start to our weekend. Thanks to all who joined us.

Photos credit to Bernardo,  Stephen and Neil.