A FIRST World War garden fete held in 1917 at Dunham Massey to raise money for injured troops will be recreated this weekend.

During Dunham’s time as the Stamford Hospital, Red Cross Garden Fetes were held in the summer of 1917 and 1918.

National Trust staff have dipped into Dunham’s extensive archives to piece together what went on. Using diaries, letters and photographs they are aiming to offer this weekend’s visitors a similar experience.

“Just like their counterparts a century ago, visitors to the fete will be able to take part in various racing competitions throughout the day, try their hand at traditional games like croquet, skittles and a coconut shy, and visit the tea tent for a slice of Lady Stamford’s favourite orange pudding,” said Katie Clayton, Dunham’s assistant visitor experience manager.

“We’ll also have performances from Lydgate Brass Band.”

Arrangements for the fete in 1917 were documented in letters from Lady Stamford to her son, Roger, one of which details how her daughter, Lady Jane Grey is keen to try ‘nursing the pig’ – a competition which involved keeping a piglet quiet for the longest time to win a prize.

A century later, visitors this weekend will instead be invited to enter their ideas in a ‘name the pig’ competition for the chance to win a ‘pigcnic’ hamper.

During the war, soldiers being treated at the Stamford Hospital who were well enough could attend the fete.

In another letter from Lady Stamford after the event, she tells her son how people paid 2d each to go in the boat, except the wounded soldiers who were allowed on free.

The Red Cross Garden Fetes were a popular event with over 3,000 people attending in 1917.

Money raised at the fetes went to the Joint War Committee who did everything from transporting injured servicemen to safety to training volunteer nursing staff.

Katie added: “It’s a great opportunity to come and experience a different side to the story of the Stamford Hospital and find out about the lighter side of life during the dark days of the First World War.”

The Stamford Hospital Garden Fete on Saturday and Sunday, July 11 and 12 between 12noon-4pm.

The Stamford Hospital attraction at Dunham Massey closes its doors on November 11.

For more information, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/dunhammassey