OUTINGS
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June 2023 Outings News
In August we will be visiting the Rural Life Living Museum in Farnham Surrey. The Museum tells the story of the countryside, with its unique collection of relocated historic buildings, allowing visitors to explore inside. It is complemented by a large collection of agricultural implements and objects from every day life. It is an open-air museum set in 10 acres of open space and woodland . There are places to shelter should it rain, a picnic area for lunch and secluded benches for a break. The market garden cafe serves a variety of hot and cold food and there is always tea and cakes to finish off a great day out. So why not join us for a day out in the country , the application form will be in the June newsletter.
On a sunny day in May we visited Vyne House near Basingstoke, a National Trust property from the Tudor period. See below for a report on the outing by Sheila Casey and some photos of members enjoying the day.
The July outing to Knebworth house , still has a few places left , if you would like to go on this trip the application form is in May's Newsletter or contact me by jyoutings@gmail.com.
Joan Young
Outings Coordinator
On a sunny day in May we visited Vyne House near Basingstoke, a National Trust property from the Tudor period. See below for a report on the outing by Sheila Casey and some photos of members enjoying the day.
The July outing to Knebworth house , still has a few places left , if you would like to go on this trip the application form is in May's Newsletter or contact me by jyoutings@gmail.com.
Joan Young
Outings Coordinator
Report on May's Outing to The Vyne
The five-hundred-year old history of The Vyne is a tale of two families, the Sandys and the Chutes.
The exterior of the house presents a traditional red brick Tudor façade with chimney pots. However, superimposed on the front, is an imposing classical portico. Inside the contrasts continued with the Oak Gallery lined with linenfold panelling; the tapestries keeping out the cold; the carved wooden pews and Renaissance stained glass in the chapel; all reflecting the Tudor period before giving way to the gleaming white Stone Gallery and the sweeping marble of the magnificent classical staircase soaring up to the first floor.
Sir William Sandys inherited the Vyne in 1497 transforming it into one of the most important houses in the country. But by 1601 the 3rd Lord Sandys backed a failed rebellion by the Earl of Essex and ended in the tower. The family were impoverished and the house became damp and dilapidated. The Sandys were forced to sell to Chaloner Chute in 1653 and a new era began. The Chute family furnished it with antiques and artefacts from their grand tours and made the huge structural changes we see today.
Sometimes prospering and sometimes falling into disrepair the old house survived the turbulence of the Tudor period, the Civil, First and Second World Wars and even the occupation of 60 small boys evacuated from a school in Kent during the Second World War. The food was awful and the house freezing but the boys apparently loved the Vyne and its grounds where they swam in the lake and played in the woods. However, in 1956 with no heir, Chaloner William Chute gifted the estate to the National Trust and the tale of two families finally came to an end.
The exterior of the house presents a traditional red brick Tudor façade with chimney pots. However, superimposed on the front, is an imposing classical portico. Inside the contrasts continued with the Oak Gallery lined with linenfold panelling; the tapestries keeping out the cold; the carved wooden pews and Renaissance stained glass in the chapel; all reflecting the Tudor period before giving way to the gleaming white Stone Gallery and the sweeping marble of the magnificent classical staircase soaring up to the first floor.
Sir William Sandys inherited the Vyne in 1497 transforming it into one of the most important houses in the country. But by 1601 the 3rd Lord Sandys backed a failed rebellion by the Earl of Essex and ended in the tower. The family were impoverished and the house became damp and dilapidated. The Sandys were forced to sell to Chaloner Chute in 1653 and a new era began. The Chute family furnished it with antiques and artefacts from their grand tours and made the huge structural changes we see today.
Sometimes prospering and sometimes falling into disrepair the old house survived the turbulence of the Tudor period, the Civil, First and Second World Wars and even the occupation of 60 small boys evacuated from a school in Kent during the Second World War. The food was awful and the house freezing but the boys apparently loved the Vyne and its grounds where they swam in the lake and played in the woods. However, in 1956 with no heir, Chaloner William Chute gifted the estate to the National Trust and the tale of two families finally came to an end.
Some Photos of The Vyne
Report on April's outing to Greys Court
Following the cancellation of the planned visit to Basildon Park we were so fortunate to have Greys Court as a replacement.
The house is no stately pile but a really welcoming house set amongst rolling countryside. From the moment you walked through the doors you were reminded it had been the home of four lively boys, the children of Sir Felix and Lady Elizabeth Brunner, who bought the house in 1937 and bequeathed it to the National Trust in 1969.
Every room felt lived in. The sitting rooms furnished with squashy sofas and welcoming fireplaces, the bedrooms full of 1930s comfort and even the kitchen was light and airy with a member of staff baking biscuits which permeated the house with a delicious aroma! And all the rooms had wonderful views.
Through the centuries the house has been the home to Richard the Third, Lettice Knollys who secretly married Queen Elizabeth’s favourite, Robert Dudley, Peter Fleming, brother of Ian Fleming and so many more.
The present house dates from Tudor times but the first manor was built on land bequeathed to the de Grey family in the 11th century hence the name Greys Court. The ruins of the fortified manor are situated close to the house guarding the entrance to the walled gardens which are reached through an arch and parts are still enclosed by the original curtain wall. Each bite sized garden morphs seamlessly from one arch to the next. The white garden, cherry garden, rose garden, kitchen garden and orchard each lovely in its own way.
We were there for the daffodils and spring bulbs but my personal favourite had to be the cherry blossom avenue a vista of thick white blossoms echoing Houseman’s “cherry hung with snow”.
A really lovely day.
Report by Sheila Casey
The house is no stately pile but a really welcoming house set amongst rolling countryside. From the moment you walked through the doors you were reminded it had been the home of four lively boys, the children of Sir Felix and Lady Elizabeth Brunner, who bought the house in 1937 and bequeathed it to the National Trust in 1969.
Every room felt lived in. The sitting rooms furnished with squashy sofas and welcoming fireplaces, the bedrooms full of 1930s comfort and even the kitchen was light and airy with a member of staff baking biscuits which permeated the house with a delicious aroma! And all the rooms had wonderful views.
Through the centuries the house has been the home to Richard the Third, Lettice Knollys who secretly married Queen Elizabeth’s favourite, Robert Dudley, Peter Fleming, brother of Ian Fleming and so many more.
The present house dates from Tudor times but the first manor was built on land bequeathed to the de Grey family in the 11th century hence the name Greys Court. The ruins of the fortified manor are situated close to the house guarding the entrance to the walled gardens which are reached through an arch and parts are still enclosed by the original curtain wall. Each bite sized garden morphs seamlessly from one arch to the next. The white garden, cherry garden, rose garden, kitchen garden and orchard each lovely in its own way.
We were there for the daffodils and spring bulbs but my personal favourite had to be the cherry blossom avenue a vista of thick white blossoms echoing Houseman’s “cherry hung with snow”.
A really lovely day.
Report by Sheila Casey
Report on December's Trip to the Illuminated Trail at Bedgebury Pinetum
Our coach for this excursion left Tunbridge Wells at 3pm just as the light was fading. The Visitor Centre / café was our first port of call and introduced us to things to come. The view overlooking the lake to the “Fire Garden” installation was spectacular, hundreds of flickering golden flames lit up the night sky.
The “trail” started from the Visitor Centre and meandered through a landscape of trees clothed by the lights in shades of purple and gold, pinks and greens. The changing colours created an illusion that the trees were swaying in time to the music. Foot tapping was the order of the day with every installation along the trail accompanied by syncopated music.
Here and there strategically placed kiosks offered marshmallows for the children to toast and mulled wine for everyone else. The “dancing” trees reflected in the waters of the lake, the drama of the fire garden, the huge silver moon and stars created on the ground and above all the soaring strains of “O Holy Night” as we walked through the tunnel of light were truly magical.
A special thank you has to be given to Sandra Chandnani for not only organising this final outing of the year, a perfect lead up to Christmas, but also for bravely helping our driver on the way home by setting off, torch in hand, to walk ahead of the coach down a very dark country lane to warn the stream of cars coming towards us to cling to the side of the road in order to allow our coach through. Over and above the call of duty!
Report by Sheila Casey
The “trail” started from the Visitor Centre and meandered through a landscape of trees clothed by the lights in shades of purple and gold, pinks and greens. The changing colours created an illusion that the trees were swaying in time to the music. Foot tapping was the order of the day with every installation along the trail accompanied by syncopated music.
Here and there strategically placed kiosks offered marshmallows for the children to toast and mulled wine for everyone else. The “dancing” trees reflected in the waters of the lake, the drama of the fire garden, the huge silver moon and stars created on the ground and above all the soaring strains of “O Holy Night” as we walked through the tunnel of light were truly magical.
A special thank you has to be given to Sandra Chandnani for not only organising this final outing of the year, a perfect lead up to Christmas, but also for bravely helping our driver on the way home by setting off, torch in hand, to walk ahead of the coach down a very dark country lane to warn the stream of cars coming towards us to cling to the side of the road in order to allow our coach through. Over and above the call of duty!
Report by Sheila Casey
Report and Pictures from October Outing to Polesden Lacey
William McEwan bought Polesden Lacey as a “party house” for his daughter, Margaret Greville, (Maggie) in 1906.
The Salon glitters in scarlet and gold, full of Maggie’s objet d’art. The L-shaped galleries provide a show case for her eclectic collection of paintings
The gardens are lovely but the piece de resistance is the Long Walk, overlooking a bucolic landscape of wooded hills, pastures dotted with sheep, and an endless sky. It must have provided a perfect promenade for ladies in billowing gowns and gentlemen in top hats.
For our visit we were fortunate in that there were enough volunteers to explain the fascinating back story to its last hostess.
William McEwan made his fortune(s) from trade, primarily brewing and railways. To an aspiring hostess this was a decided disadvantage, but if that were not enough, Maggie was illegitimate. Her mother came from a humble agricultural family and her liaison with William McEwan was so secret that, when she became pregnant, he sent her down to London for the birth. In fact Maggie was 21 before William married her mother.
So, how did this daughter of trade become accepted by High Society and entertain Royalty? Undoubtedly her father’s fortune helped but Maggie also inherited her father’s hard head. She married a minor aristocrat to obtain a title and for his Society connections. She kept firm control of her own fortune. The death of her husband, before his father, meant that her hopes of obtaining a title were dashed but “better a beeress than a peeress” said Maggie and she still made full use of her husband’s connections including cultivating Alice Kepple, Mistress to Edward VII.
Finally, she was immensely practical. She installed a lift at Polesden Lacey and moved the kitchens next to the dining room so the food arrived hot. She had, according to Edward VII, a genius for hospitality, and this little lady of no particular beauty and absolutely no background used that one skill to forge a reputation for making her guests comfortable.She had the money, she had the setting and she used them.
The Salon glitters in scarlet and gold, full of Maggie’s objet d’art. The L-shaped galleries provide a show case for her eclectic collection of paintings
The gardens are lovely but the piece de resistance is the Long Walk, overlooking a bucolic landscape of wooded hills, pastures dotted with sheep, and an endless sky. It must have provided a perfect promenade for ladies in billowing gowns and gentlemen in top hats.
For our visit we were fortunate in that there were enough volunteers to explain the fascinating back story to its last hostess.
William McEwan made his fortune(s) from trade, primarily brewing and railways. To an aspiring hostess this was a decided disadvantage, but if that were not enough, Maggie was illegitimate. Her mother came from a humble agricultural family and her liaison with William McEwan was so secret that, when she became pregnant, he sent her down to London for the birth. In fact Maggie was 21 before William married her mother.
So, how did this daughter of trade become accepted by High Society and entertain Royalty? Undoubtedly her father’s fortune helped but Maggie also inherited her father’s hard head. She married a minor aristocrat to obtain a title and for his Society connections. She kept firm control of her own fortune. The death of her husband, before his father, meant that her hopes of obtaining a title were dashed but “better a beeress than a peeress” said Maggie and she still made full use of her husband’s connections including cultivating Alice Kepple, Mistress to Edward VII.
Finally, she was immensely practical. She installed a lift at Polesden Lacey and moved the kitchens next to the dining room so the food arrived hot. She had, according to Edward VII, a genius for hospitality, and this little lady of no particular beauty and absolutely no background used that one skill to forge a reputation for making her guests comfortable.She had the money, she had the setting and she used them.
Report & Pictures from September Outing to Cliveden
Situated on a terrace high above the Thames and designed by Sir Charles Barry, Cliveden is not a cosy house. It exudes power.
Built of harsh white stone, its heavy portico and balustrade dominate the landscape. On the day of our visit the heavens opened but, between the torrential downpours, the views from the terrace were magnificent. The house, although owned by the National Trust, is now a luxurious hotel. We were very fortunate to be guided around the ground floor. The tour included the Great Baronial Hall panelled in English Oak with Corinthian columns and swags of carved flowers. A 16th century fireplace brought from a Bergundian chateau dominates the room. Standing in its shadow is a really lovely portrait of Nancy, Lady Astor, by John Singer Sargent. We were also able to see the French dining room oozing Rococco charm, its 18th century panelling came from the Chateau d’Asnieres near Paris and was once owned by Madame de Pompadour. French loss our gain?
The Astors played host to the great and the good in the 1920s and 30s. But the house is also notorious for its many scandals, famously that of Christine Keeler and John Profumo in the 1950s.
Following our house tour the rain continued to fall and thunder rumbled overhead as we were transported down to the Thames for our included boat trip. The section of the Thames bordering Cliveden is not tidal and the river runs gently past the estate. To the sound of raindrops falling overhead we drifted along the tranquil river.
We finally left Cliveden still shrouded in mist and dark clouds. On the way home we learnt our beloved Queen had died. But towards journeys end the sun came out, just in time to welcome our new King.
Built of harsh white stone, its heavy portico and balustrade dominate the landscape. On the day of our visit the heavens opened but, between the torrential downpours, the views from the terrace were magnificent. The house, although owned by the National Trust, is now a luxurious hotel. We were very fortunate to be guided around the ground floor. The tour included the Great Baronial Hall panelled in English Oak with Corinthian columns and swags of carved flowers. A 16th century fireplace brought from a Bergundian chateau dominates the room. Standing in its shadow is a really lovely portrait of Nancy, Lady Astor, by John Singer Sargent. We were also able to see the French dining room oozing Rococco charm, its 18th century panelling came from the Chateau d’Asnieres near Paris and was once owned by Madame de Pompadour. French loss our gain?
The Astors played host to the great and the good in the 1920s and 30s. But the house is also notorious for its many scandals, famously that of Christine Keeler and John Profumo in the 1950s.
Following our house tour the rain continued to fall and thunder rumbled overhead as we were transported down to the Thames for our included boat trip. The section of the Thames bordering Cliveden is not tidal and the river runs gently past the estate. To the sound of raindrops falling overhead we drifted along the tranquil river.
We finally left Cliveden still shrouded in mist and dark clouds. On the way home we learnt our beloved Queen had died. But towards journeys end the sun came out, just in time to welcome our new King.
Report and Pictures from the August Outing to Ramsgate
Ramsgate Tunnels were constructed at the outbreak of WW2 to provide some of the finest air raid shelters ever built and, nowadays, are certainly well worth visiting. The fact that these tunnels were built at all and completed in record time in 1939 was largely down to the persistence of the flamboyant Mayor and expertise of the Borough Engineer, the mastermind behind three and half miles of chalk tunnels under the town, with eleven entrances at strategic points – able to provide shelter for up to 60,000 people, with over 1,000 permanent residents, whose homes had been destroyed. After the war the tunnels were eventually closed. However, a Trust was formed, Lottery money was secured and the tunnels opened to the public in 2014. We divided into two groups, and equipped with hard hats and large torches, we explored a section of the tunnels with volunteer guides to tell us about the history of their construction, the facilities provided and what it was like for the people who used them during the war. Today, they have replicated some of the living quarters/sleeping areas, so that children can experience a night sleeping there (probably with not much sleep going on!). Afterwards, we had free time to enjoy a glorious, sunny day by the sea, wandering around the beautiful harbour and waterfront. Some of us found our way to Wetherspoons housed in the Royal Victoria Pavilion on the seafront, where one could sit in the open air on the balconies and enjoy a drink and lunch, whilst keeping an eye on a nearby seagull. A long, but lovely day. Thank you, Stella.
(Report by Pat Micklewright)
(Report by Pat Micklewright)
Report on Outing to Leonardslee and Nymans Gardens
Once through the gates of Leonardslee the gardens lay out in front for us to enjoy. Sculptures in and around the grounds were quite spectacular. If, after a walk, your tummy’s rumbling, the café had something for all. Then we visited The Dolls House Museum; a very clever work of art. Back on the coach.
Our next visit was Nymans. Indulgent or what?! Two gardens in one day. I know you wish you had come with us! Nymans has a connection to royalty, being Lord Snowdon’s childhood home. The gardens are full of colour throughout the year and the volunteers were happy to answer any questions you may have. What a super, indulgent day out. Report by Sheila Austin
Once through the gates of Leonardslee the gardens lay out in front for us to enjoy. Sculptures in and around the grounds were quite spectacular. If, after a walk, your tummy’s rumbling, the café had something for all. Then we visited The Dolls House Museum; a very clever work of art. Back on the coach.
Our next visit was Nymans. Indulgent or what?! Two gardens in one day. I know you wish you had come with us! Nymans has a connection to royalty, being Lord Snowdon’s childhood home. The gardens are full of colour throughout the year and the volunteers were happy to answer any questions you may have. What a super, indulgent day out. Report by Sheila Austin
Report on Outing to Hughenden Manor
Well, weren’t we in for a surprise, Lots of them? Benjamin Disraeli moved into Hughenden Manor with his wife Mary Anne. The red brick Victorian manor remained Disraeli’s home until his death in 1881.
A short walk too where he was laid to rest next to his wife, is well worth adding to things to see.
The house sits on a hill with magnificent views. Red Kites soar high above our heads and the beautiful gardens. Hughenden Manor just keeps surprising us. The house is full of them. I am deliberately holding back information regarding our trip, those who were there will understand. We don’t want to spoil the adventure for U3A members who haven’t yet visited. You won’t be disappointed. Disraeli allows us into his inner (not that he has any choice) sanctum, the house is full of interesting facts of his life.
We wandered freely. Guides on hand if needed. The café staff couldn’t do enough to make us welcome. Carts to help navigate any obstacles. Everything and everyone were perfect. You’d have a job to find anything to moan about Hughenden, o there is one thing, ‘the snoring on the way home’. Tee hee.
Happy Days…..
Sheila Austin.
A short walk too where he was laid to rest next to his wife, is well worth adding to things to see.
The house sits on a hill with magnificent views. Red Kites soar high above our heads and the beautiful gardens. Hughenden Manor just keeps surprising us. The house is full of them. I am deliberately holding back information regarding our trip, those who were there will understand. We don’t want to spoil the adventure for U3A members who haven’t yet visited. You won’t be disappointed. Disraeli allows us into his inner (not that he has any choice) sanctum, the house is full of interesting facts of his life.
We wandered freely. Guides on hand if needed. The café staff couldn’t do enough to make us welcome. Carts to help navigate any obstacles. Everything and everyone were perfect. You’d have a job to find anything to moan about Hughenden, o there is one thing, ‘the snoring on the way home’. Tee hee.
Happy Days…..
Sheila Austin.
Visit to the Congress Theatre Eastbourne to see Chicago
On Thursday 17 February our first outing for 2022 took us to Eastbourne to see the musical Chicago at the Congress theatre. The theatre was packed. It was lovely to see so many people determined to go out and about again. As for the show, well Razzle Dazzle girls and all that Jazz! The dancing was eye watering. Perhaps a bit too eye watering for some, but Faye Brooks, playing Roxie Hart, was mesmerising, particularly in the scene where she imitated a puppet having its strings pulled by Liam Marcelino, playing Billy Flynn, her crooked defence lawyer.
Djalenga Scott was equally amazing playing Roxie’s rival Velma Kelly. Djalenga has the longest legs I have ever seen, like Betty Grable’s they should be insured!
The dancing was raunchy, the girls beautiful, the musicians not hidden away in the pit but joining in right up there on the stage.
And at the end of the show, Barry, our coach driver, was parked almost right outside the theatre to take us home.
Report by Joan Young, Outings Coordinator
Report on Outing to Wisley Glow
When our coach set off for the Wisley Glow it was packed. The Glow was scheduled for 4 pm but exceptionally the M25 was not gridlocked and we were early so Barry, our very experienced driver, took us off piste for a detour to Oxshot and a bird’s eye view of the sumptuous mansions favoured, amongst others, by footballers’ wives.
Even so we were still early and had plenty of time for hot chocolate, mulled wine, or whatever took your fancy, before the Glow started.
Finally, darkness fell and we could follow the Glow trail. It rained but that didn’t matter, rather it enhanced the experience, lasers lit up the dark sky turning the raindrops into diamonds, coloured fountains sprung to life shooting up from the lakes, waterfalls thundered and changed colour. We walked through tunnels of light accompanied by classical music, goblets of fire exploded to the foot tapping beat of “New York, New York”. Even the trees appeared to shimmer, and of course there were carols. It was simply stunning a banquet for the senses, and a great way to welcome in Christmas. I loved it. And if that wasn’t enough there was still plenty of time to explore and perhaps buy the lovey goodies in the Christmas shop.
Thank you to Sheila Casey for the report and to Stella Westrup for the photos.
Even so we were still early and had plenty of time for hot chocolate, mulled wine, or whatever took your fancy, before the Glow started.
Finally, darkness fell and we could follow the Glow trail. It rained but that didn’t matter, rather it enhanced the experience, lasers lit up the dark sky turning the raindrops into diamonds, coloured fountains sprung to life shooting up from the lakes, waterfalls thundered and changed colour. We walked through tunnels of light accompanied by classical music, goblets of fire exploded to the foot tapping beat of “New York, New York”. Even the trees appeared to shimmer, and of course there were carols. It was simply stunning a banquet for the senses, and a great way to welcome in Christmas. I loved it. And if that wasn’t enough there was still plenty of time to explore and perhaps buy the lovey goodies in the Christmas shop.
Thank you to Sheila Casey for the report and to Stella Westrup for the photos.