Saturday 1 April 2006

Cheddon Fitzpaine Village Hall, 2.30pm

Quantock Centre member Dan Green and some of his musical friends will continue the recent tradition of launching the Spring programme with a pot-pourri of live music to suit all tastes. The concerts in previous years have been extremely entertaining and enjoyed by all who attended.

Tuesday 4 April 2006

This stunning 17th century house near Petersfield, West Sussex, has great views and a fine late-Georgian interior, faithfully restored following a disastrous fire in 1989. It contains a fine collection of Grand Tour paintings, ceramics and textiles and a famous Doll's House dating from 1747.

The restoration involved re-learning old skills by plasterers, wood carvers, embroiderers, picture restorers and many others, and we shall have the opportunity to learn about this in a special exhibition.

Wednesday 12 April 2006

This Tudor manor is regarded as one of the most romantic early manor houses in the west of England. It has a Tudor Great Hall, a Jacobean wing with solar, and an early Georgian Little Parlour and doorcase of 1719. It contains a unique collection of wall hangings and an Arts and Crafts collection. The gardens are on seven terraces, with many topiary yews and box parterres. A tour of the house and gardens will be preceded by an introductory talk.

Thursday 4 May 2006

This visit to Ottery St Mary Nurseries will give a splendid opportunity to replace those winter failures in the garden and purchase some new items. We then travel along the coast to Lyme Regis. Members who have not been there for some time will note the considerable changes along the sea front and to the Cob.

Wednesday 10 May 2006

Bowood House, near Chippenham, is the family home of the Marquis and Marchioness of Lansdowne. It has fine rooms of superb furniture, porcelain, and family heirlooms, an Adam library, Orangery, small chapel, and grounds designed by Capability Brown.

Tuesday 16 May 2006

We will have a two-hour river cruise on the “Pride of Avon”. The boat is an all-weather cruiser, enclosed if wet, with all-round vision and heating/air conditioning as required. The skipper will give a commentary on the flora and fauna of the river and things of interest we see from the boat.

Wednesday 17 May 2006

This is a privileged visit to a house built for the first Lord Fortescue in 1730 and still lived in by his descendants, the Earl and Countess of Arran. Lady Arran will conduct tours of the house, and talk about its history. The formal gardens and the Capability Brown landscape gardens are particularly beautiful in May with vistas of azaleas, rhododendrons and camellias. Some paths are a little steep, but it is not essential to use these to fully enjoy the garden. Tours of the garden will be led by the Head Gardener.

Thursday 25 May 2006

Coleton Fishacre is an Arts and Crafts-style house with an elegant interior, influenced by Art Deco. It is set in beautiful valley gardens on the South Devon Coast. The house, designed for Rupert and Lady Dorothy D'Oyly Carte in 1925, is rather special. It has not been open to the public until recently, and contains memorabilia of Gilbert and Sullivan operas and the Savoy Theatre

Friday 26 May 2006

The Meteorological Office moved to Exeter in 2003-04. This visit will provide a greater understanding of its latest methods for forecasting the weather and an opportunity to see some of the most modern equipment used.

Wednesday 31 May 2006

Muchelney Abbey, on the Somerset Levels, is administered by English Heritage. Extensive remains can be viewed. So also can furniture and pottery displays. There is an interactive video presentation. The Priest's House is next to the Benedictine Abbey. The present tenant will conduct a tour of this National Trust treasure, built in 1208 by the Abbey for their priest.

Friday 2 June 2006

Castle Drogo is the last castle to be built in England. Commissioned by the millionaire Julius Drewe and designed by Sir Edward Lutyens, it stands on a spur with unrivalled views of the South Devon countryside and Dartmoor. The garden is at its best in Spring and Summer.

The water-powered forge at Finch Foundry has three water wheels and a tilt hammer in full working order.

Monday 5 June 2006

Rosemoor has been established as a National Garden of importance since it was gifted to the Royal Horticultural Society by Lady Anne Berry. Situated in a valley with surrounding woodlands, it is rich in variety and has been extensively developed during the past 15 years. The rose garden has been re-planted. There is a lake and extensive herbaceous borders, herb and cottage gardens, together with a plant centre and shop.

Marwood Hill Garden was created by Dr James Smart, who died in 2002. It is set in 20 acres of beautiful gardens and three lakes in a valley with a great variety of choice shrubs and trees.

Thursday 8 June 2006

Kelmscott Manor was the much-loved country retreat of William Morris – “the loveliest haunt of ancient peace”. The charming Cotswold house at Lechlade, in Gloucestershire, contains many examples of design and craftsmanship by Morris and his family and associates including furniture, textiles, carpets and ceramics, and is set in a pretty Thames-side garden. There will also be a visit to the impressive and beautiful “wool gothic” church of St John the Baptist.

Wednesday 14 June 2006

Buckfast Abbey was founded nearly a. thousand years ago and stood for 500 years before it was closed by Henry VIII. The present community of Benedictine Monks returned in 1582 and restored the present Abbey on its medieval foundations, finishing the church in 1938. The visit will include a video presentation, guided tour of the Abbey, the gardens (including lavender garden), mill shop, monastic shop, books and gift shops

Monday 19 June 2006

Cheddon Fitzpaine Village Hall, 7.00pm.

A splendid fish-and-chip supper will be accompanied by slide-show entertainment from Quantock Centre member Robin Grigg. Fingers and/or plastic forks will be the main utensils for this traditional treat.

Tuesday 27 June 2006

The gardens are in the Tywi Valley and comprise themed gardens, rolling parkland and secluded woodland. They also have the award-winning Great Glasshouse and a recently completed double-walled garden.