Sefton Park Palm House has welcomed its 1.5 millionth visitor. The Grade II* listed Victorian glasshouse, located in the heart of Sefton Park, saw Edna Smedley become its celebratory milestone visitor.

Edna, 84, attended the popular Guided Tour event headed by volunteer Sue Tresidder to explore the venue’s exotic plant collection and history since its grand restoration in 2001.

Sue said:

“We are thrilled to have crowned Edna as our 1.5 millionth visitor at the Palm House. Having been a volunteer for the venue since its restoration, it’s great to continue to attract visitors from across the North West and even further afield.

“Although the Palm House has faced an uncertain future in the past, since its reopening to the public, we are proud to have seen it go from strength to strength and are thrilled to celebrate this remarkable milestone in our history. Thanks to our wonderful supporters and ‘Friends of the Palm House’ we have been able to keep our doors open seven days a week and look forward to welcoming visitors for many more years to come.”

Sefton Park Palm House Preservation Trust is a registered charity that was set up in 1996 to support the restoration of the Palm House manage the Palm House. The Trust now manages the Palm House and organises an eclectic events programme which contributes to raising funds for the maintenance of the building and holding events, ensuring that it remains accessible to all

The annual fundraising dinner is set to take place on Saturday, October 29. Last year, nearly 250 people attended the exciting evening of music and entertainment, which is a major event in the Palm House’s calendar, raising over £12,000 to support the trust.

Edna added:

“It was a big surprise and a real treat to have become the 1.5 millionth visitor. Having grown up in Walton I would often spend the summer holidays in Sefton Park with my brothers, back when a return train was just one penny. As it’s been almost 70 years since I last visited, it’s quite remarkable to see how the Palm House and its beautiful surroundings have developed over the years. Being a keen gardener, I would love to return in the near future.”

For more information visit www.palmhouse.org.uk

To find out more about supporting the Palm House email kate.martinez@palmhouse.org.uk.