Park Life in Bernard's garden in Lancaster

Published: 17 August 2017
Reporter: David Upton

Bernard Gladstone with the Mad Hatter's hat, bringing back memories of The Dukes production of Alice in Wonderland in 1997
Bernard Gladstone in his garden with a statue from The Dukes 2016 version of The Hobbit

Bernard Gladstone just has to wander down his garden path to be reminded of 30 years of The Dukes summer outdoor walkabout shows in Lancaster.

His garden, packed full of props and memorabilia, pays homage to the 41 productions staged by the Lancaster theatre in Williamson Park since 1987.

It’s a labour of love and a tribute to his other passion—The Dukes where he’s been honorary archivist since the '70s.

His greenfingers have earned him prizes galore in the Bolton-le-Sands best kept village garden competition over the years.

And he even won a Making A Difference Award at the 2011 Lancashire & Blackpool Tourism Awards for his dedication to volunteering at The Dukes.

For 25 years, Bernard looked after the cast and crew at the dressing rooms in Williamson Park, known as Base Camp.

Having been a stalwart volunteer and having seen all The Dukes promenade productions put Bernard in the perfect position to build up a collection of props used in the shows.

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