GARDEN centre and horticultural industry staff are invited to sign-up for a fundraising event being held at the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) annual conference at Carden Park Chester in January (2026).
 
Teams will compete for the Greenfingers’ Charity Shield on January 25 to help raise money for Greenfingers, which is dedicated to creating enchanting and inspiring gardens in children’s hospices nationwide.
 
GCA CEO, Peter Burks says: “We’re so thrilled that the Greenfingers’ Charity Shield is back for 2026, which is our special 60thanniversary year, and we’re looking forward to a great battle between the teams from our garden centre and our associate members. This year it’s slightly different as delegates will be placed into four teams with a maximum of 15 people in each to compete and complete all the activities.
 
“Our Sunday, January 25, Greenfingers’ events are now live on our 2026 Conference booking site and ready for members to book-up. They include outdoor pursuits from 2-5pm with activities such as a driving range, axe throwing, archery and laser clay shooting. These are in an all-weather area, so will go ahead come rain, snow or shine. 
 
“The centre where the activities will take place is just a two-minute walk from the hotel. Places cost just £120 per person including VAT with all proceeds going to the charity. There will be prizes for the winning team too!
 
“In the evening, we’ve a special Greenfingers’ Wine Tasting and Quiz event with a buffet dinner to celebrate and support the launch of the charity’s 30th Anniversary Appeal. It will take place in the Shooting Gallery next to the hotel from 7-10pm. Places cost £120 per person including VAT with proceeds to the charity. As well as the winners being able to hoist the Greenfingers’ Charity Shield at the end of the day, there will also be prizes for the winning team!”
 
Greenfingers’ gardens are magical outside spaces in hospices, where life-limited children can spend quality time outside with their families, friends and carers in a safe and protective environment. 
 
As well as places where therapies, play and precious memories can be created, its gardens also provide a special space for reflection and remembering. 
 
It has, to date, completed almost 70 gardens in children’s hospices across the UK. 
 
Peter adds: “Booking is now open for our Greenfingers’ Fundraising Day on January 26, 2026, on the members’ section of our website or via https://gca.digitickets.co.uk.
 
“You can book for all the days of the conference online too. This year’s event is not to be missed as we’ve several brilliant speakers taking to the podium including the writer, broadcaster, former MP and Government Whip Gyles Brandreth and retail guru, businesswoman, broadcaster, author and activist Mary Portas OBE.”  
 
There is also a dedicated email for any queries members, and those wishing to book for the event, may have: conference@gca.org.uk.
 
For further information and to book tickets for the 2026 GCA Conference, please visit www.gca.org.uk.