Dragonflies at Doddington Display

Dragonflies at Doddington

12th September - 25th September | 10am - 4pm

Admire a beautiful display of over 1,000 iron dragonflies under the gaze of the Elizabethan Hall. Each dragonfly has been dedicated by a St Barnabas supporter in memory of a loved one.

Doddington Hall are hosting this year's St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice dragonfly appeal, where there will be over 1000 handcrafted ironwork dragonflies displayed in the tranquil setting of the Doddington Hall gardens, where supporters of St Barnabas Hospice and visitors can remember loved ones peacefully.

To dedicate a dragonfly please visit www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/dragonfly

I was honoured to be invited along to watch the installation being put together, by teams from St Barnabas Hospice, Doddington Hall and Lincoln College. The ironwork dragonflies, which were all handcrafted at The Old Smithy Forge in North Lincolnshire, are absolutely stunning. When the 1000 dragonflies all came together in the display, the effect was really magical, each one individually placed delicately across the grass, complete with wooden bridge and bullrushes to resemble a dragonfly pond. The display, which been designed by Doddington Hall's head gardener, Jordan Wallhead, is located on the Croquet Lawn, and within the walled gardens.

The display also features an interactive lilypad story trail, where you can use your phone to scan the QR codes to follow the interactive story of the Dragonfly and learn more about the significance of the Dragonflies. The dragonfly is often used as a symbol of life after death, and the Dragonfly campaign was inspired by a beautiful story written by Doris Stickney, designed to help prompt conversations about death with children. A dragonfly can be dedicated to anyone, regardless of whether they accessed hospice care or not. A donation from each ticket will go towards the Hospice, at this unprecedented time. Any donation, or dedication for a Dragonfly will help St Barnabas continue to offer free, compassionate care to the people of Lincolnshire.

When visiting these beautiful gardens, you can spend time reflecting amongst the magical display of dedicated dragonflies, follow the story trail or get support from the St Baranabas wellbeing team. There will also be crafts sessions for children to take part in on certain days.

Twilight Tour

There will also be a Dragonfly display by Twilight at Doddington Hall. The tour will take you through a short walk of the gardens, during which you’ll learn the importance of the Dragonfly to the Hospice. The tour will conclude at the Croquet lawn, where you will be able to enjoy the full display and take a moment to remember your loved ones. St Baranabas Bereavement counsellors will also be offering support. The display will be complimented by live music and the nteractive Lilypad display.

To book a twilight tour please click here.

Tickets

To visit the Gardens and see the dragonfly display please pre-book online.

Garden admission: Adult £7.50, Child £3.50, Family £19

(Free access for St Barnabas vouchers, Doddington season ticket holders, Historic Houses & RHS members – please book online and select the relevant ticket type)