Derbyshire couple with open garden celebrate 50 years of marriage

For almost 30 years, Colin and Gill Hancock have opened the gate of their back garden in Derbyshire to anyone curious enough to wander in. What began as a small patch of potatoes at the bungalow they bought from Gill's grandmother after their marriage in 1976, the space has since grown into a 25‑acre (10.1‑hectare) green haven with a wildlife pond and woodland. The site in Belper Road, Stanley Common, has been part of the National Open Garden Scheme for 29 years, in which time the couple have raised over £60,000 for charity. Now preparing to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in June, Colin and Gill hope their garden will continue to be enjoyed for many more years to come. The Hancocks said they knew "next to nothing" about gardening when they first moved into their home almost 50 years ago. Gill, 75, worked as a nursery nurse, while Colin, 76, worked as a door engineer at Rolls-Royce. "When we came to live here, my father told us to grow some potatoes and vegetables, and that's how we started", said Gill. After getting to grips with the gardening world, the couple had more work on their hands when Gill's father left 25 acres of farmland adjacent to their house in his will. "

Apr 20, 2026 → Apr 20, 2026