THE NORTH HAMPSHIRE NATIONAL TRUST CENTRE

Founded in 1985 to promote and prosper the work of the National Trust

Stained Glass Window in the Great Hall, Winchester

£1.50 (non-members) Issue 60 – Spring 2015

OUR WEBSITE:

www.northhampshirentc.moonfruit.com

CHECK OUT UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE VYNE:

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/vyne/things-to-see-and-do/events

LASER Award Presentation to Julie Bowell 31st December 2014 With citation signed by Dame Helen Ghosh – NT Director General

London and South East Regional LASER award presented to Julie Bowell, on behalf

of the National Trust, by committee members of the NHNTC, for her long term contribution to the Centre

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CHAIRMAN’S LETTER

In my last Chairman’s Letter of the year I can do no better than to call it The Year of The Vyne. Twelve months ago we had just heard that Dave Green, the General Manager who had so many new ideas and backed us in all our enterprises, was leaving. Jonathan Noall came in for three months and provided stability where there could have been chaos. He is returning to talk to us at our next AGM in April.

In April 2014 Stuart Maughan came home to this area of Hampshire, as General Manager of our favourite property. He has continued the growth that the three previous managers had begun. Once again we were fortunate that Stuart also supported us in our big recruitment event in The Brewhouse in September. As with the previous year over thirty new members joined the NHNTC from that one day. This was, in no small way, thanks to all members for supporting the Coffee and Cake Treat morning. It is highly likely that our Publicity Officer will come up with a new slant on this successful theme later this year.

In August, as a major initiative by the NT to mark the 100th Anniversary of the start of the Great War, the Sir Stanley Spencer paintings at Sandham Memorial Chapel were displayed round the country while the Chapel was being refurbished. Since this property comes underThe Vyne, we gave support there, including helping to pay for their new Peace Garden. As a result I was invited, on your behalf, to be present at the grand re-opening on 4th Augusth. Dame Helen Ghosh, the new Director General of the NT, ‘cut the ribbon’ and I had the chance to talk to her about NHNTC. She was remarkably well informed about our activities (she originates from Hampshire) and agreed to speak to us about the opportunities for the NT. As one of only four talks that she is giving to Centres in 2015 she will be coming to the Elizabeth Hall on 28th October. Please put the date in your diaries as there is likely to be a high up-take of tickets.

In December we held our main Christmas event in ‘our’ room at The Brewhouse. This took the form of a Christmas Lunch and a Carol Service. We were even allowed to bring our cars along the main driveway of The Vyne and park near the Brewhouse. It was a superb occasion and we had a maximum 48 people present, with a further 20 members on the waiting list. The Vyne staff provided a marvellous meal and made us feel extremely welcome.

May I please add my voice to that of the Membership Secretary in appealing to members to pay their subscriptions by standing order, which makes the annual renewal so much simpler to administer. Many thanks.

Finally, despite my writing this on 24th December, your Christmases will be over by the time you receive your Newsletter, so I’ll wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2015.

Paddy Mendham

Teddy Boys on

Teddy Boys on

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PROPERTY MANAGER’S PAGE

STUART MAUGHAN

2014 at The Vyne has been an eventful year. At the start, we had storm damage, which means that we are now in the midst of preparing ourselves for a multi-million pound project aimed at stopping water from coming into the mansion; in the middle, we had the successful reopening of Sandham Memorial Chapel and, at the end, we have seen record numbers of visitors at The Vyne over the course of the year.

Starting with the numbers first: so far this year we have had just over 150,000 visitors, which is currently up on last year’s record figures. The lovely warm and dry weather in September and October helped us hit record numbers for these months and, as a result of this, we are on track for our busiest year ever. On top of this, catering is having its best ever year and the number of members recruited by the visitor reception team is the highest ever, meaning that this year has been nothing short of exceptional across the whole property.

We recently received the news that the funding for the roof project will now be made available to us in March 2016, a year later than we originally asked for – subject to us submitting a successful bid for the money, of course. The reason for this is that the money is not currently available within the Trust, due to a number of high profile projects which have already been approved. This will give us an opportunity in 2015 to conduct all of the surveys and preparatory works required before we start the works and also gives us a chance to set up a thorough fundraising campaign.

In the summer we successfully re-opened Sandham Memorial Chapel and over 6,000 visitors attended in the three months that we were open this year. Feedback received regarding the new visitor interpretation has been very good and, just as pleasing, has been the income received through retail sales, which exceeded all expectations. The paintings are currently out on loan for the last time, at the Manchester Gallery, whilst the final works to the project are completed.

Finally, as my first year anniversary in post comes ever closer, I just wanted to say a heartfelt thank you for all of your help and support throughout the year. From my first month in post, when I attended your AGM, through to the successful coffee morning in September, culminating in the wonderful Christmas meal a couple of weeks ago, I am lucky that the North Hampshire Centre supports us so enthusiastically and, although difficult as it is to single out one individual, I would like to thank Paddy Mendham, whose continued support and passion for The Vyne is evident for all to see; I am very lucky that he is the Chairman of my ‘local’ Centre.

Best wishes and many thanks

Stuart Maughan

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MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY

February 2015 NORMA MORGAN

A REMINDER ABOUT PAYING SUBSCRIPTIONS

o A warm welcome to all those who have joined us since last summer. We hope you will enjoy our programme in 2015.

o We are very grateful to those of you who .have already completed a new standing order form. Please remember that ALL standing orders must be renewed this year. To those of you who have yet to do so, we are sending out reminders with this Newsletter. Subscriptions are due before 1st April and only members who have completed new standing orders will have received booking forms for the outings described in the following pages. Those who send in their standing order forms to me will receive their booking forms by return of post.

o Those who wish to do so may continue to pay by cash/cheque at the AGM – or beforehand, to my published address - but we do especially appeal to you to consider paying by standing order in future.

PUBLICITY OFFICER

ANNIS MENDHAM

o This year saw the introduction of a printed version of what had been fondly known as the ‘green form’. The new illustrated leaflet has been well received and places are happy to display it for us. Already we are into our second printing. The leaflets were printed at Lord Mayor Treloar College in Alton, who did a very professional job. They are exempt from VAT and are just along the road from me! Please ask for copies if you know anyone who may be interested in joining the NHNTC.

o For the second time, we held a coffee morning in the Brewhouse. This year, called ‘Coffee and Cake Treat’, we offered a talk in the Oak Gallery where some of its secrets were revealed. Resulting from this, we welcomed 32 new members to the Centre. Here I must especially thank the two committees who have supported the event 100% each time - wonderful.

o Often, visitors coming to our talks decide to join us. Please invite people to come along with you if you feel that they would be interested. We have a full and varied programme next year, as you can see in the later pages of the Newsletter.

Let us make 2015 another successful one for NHNTC.

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COACH PICK-UP POINTS

** MEMBERS ARE REMINDED TO BE ON TIME as THE COACH CANNOT WAIT **

We try to have an experienced person at each boarding point to look after newcomers and ensure no one is left behind. However, as coaches are unable to wait, please ensure adequate time for parking and getting to the boarding point well before the time of departure. If you are not used to travelling early in the morning do please take account of possible commuter traffic at this time.

Would members please note that the coach will pick up and drop ONLY at the DESIGNATED STOPS below. The Centre has contractual arrangements with the coach company and, for health, safety and legal reasons, the driver may not communicate with passengers during the journey.

BASINGSTOKE: o The pick-up point for Basingstoke is the bus shelter (on the north side, east

bound) in Alençon Link below the Railway Station.

HOOK: o When journeys begin in Basingstoke the coach driver will pick up at the east

bound bus stop opposite the White Hart, Hook, adjacent to the (paying) car park.

o When the journey begins at Hartley Wintney the pick up point is at the Old White Hart. Passengers park in the (paying) car park at Hook, cross the road, walk about 100 yards towards Basingstoke, and then wait for the coach at the west bound bus stop outside The Old White Hart, near the flower shop.

HARTLEY WINTNEY: o When journeys begin in Basingstoke the pick up point is at the bus stop

outside Swan Court. o When the journey begins in Hartley Wintney the pick up is at the bus stop on

the other side of the road.

ALTON (ONLY when there is a southern destination-NOT in this Newsletter): o Bus stop on Drayman’s Way – opposite Sainsbury’s. o *For all other journeys, members from Alton are encouraged to participate

in car-sharing arrangements to the Hook car park.

FLEET: o Members in Fleet are encouraged to make car pooling arrangements to the bus

stop in Hartley Wintney.

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HALLS for SPRING and SUMMER ACTIVITIES

NB. We do use other venues from time to time, but, in any one issue of the Newsletter, we shall only show the details of the halls that we are using for the current programme. [BEECH village hall directions are in the last Newsletter.]

ELIZABETH HALL, HOOK RG27 9HH

(This is our ‘Home base’, so to speak.)

o At the roundabout in the centre of Hook take Station Road. o After about 100 yards take the first turning on the right (almost opposite the

Raven Hotel and railway station). o Take the second turning on the left and the Elizabeth Hall is at the end of this

road, well signposted. o Although it seems to be a large car park, we always have a good attendance

at this hall and you should be careful to park as closely together as you can.

CLIDDESDEN MILLENNIUM VILLAGE HALL RG25 2JQ

o From the southern ring road in Basingstoke, take the A339 Alton road. After passing under the M3 motorway, take the next right (B3046 Alresford road) to Cliddesden village. Pass the garage on the left and the Jolly Farmer pub on the right and then turn left at the village pond into Church Lane. Go past the church on your left, follow the right hand bend of the road for about a further 100 yards, and then turn right into the lead-up approach road to the Village Hall.

o Many members from Fleet area take the country road that brings them out through Tunworth and runs alongside Hackwood Park, and then they cross the Alton Road and follow the directions as given above.

o From Alton, take the turn just before the M3 motorway underpass and follow the directions as above.

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NOTES from the EVENTS COMMITTEE

JULIE BOWELL

ICE (In Case of Emergency) is a programme that enables first responders, such as paramedics, firefighters, and police officers, as well as hospital personnel, to contact

the next of kin of the owner of a mobile phone to obtain important medical or support information (the phone must be unlocked and working). The phone entry supplements or complements written (such as wallet, bracelet, or necklace) information. It encourages people to enter emergency contacts in their mobile phone address book under the name "ICE". Several commercial organisations offer credit card and key fob type cards that can be filled in.

Your committee commends these schemes to you in addition to the basic information we request on outing booking forms.

Members should be aware that the insurance cover offered by the National Trust offers only public liability insurance to those over 80 years of age. Guests are not covered. There is also no cover for parts of outings that are not fully organised as a group, e.g. when finding one’s own refreshments in a town. Those who would like further cover should purchase their own policy and several of the well known insurers offer such policies.

It has come to our attention that when some members have been unable to use tickets they have been passing them to non member friends without checking that there is no waiting list. If you are unable to use tickets you must first contact the booking secretary and/or event organiser.

The results of the recent survey about holidays have been analysed. Sadly, the response was low, with fewer than twenty people indicating a serious interest in booking a holiday with the Centre. When date and itinerary are taken into consideration, the numbers actually booking would obviously be less than this. Your committee have reluctantly taken the decision not to pursue organising a holiday for the time being.

The Landmark Trust, which takes at-risk historic buildings and restores them for use as self catering rental properties, is marking its 50th anniversary with a range of events including a ‘Golden Weekend’ on May 16 -17, when the public will be able to see inside many buildings not usually open to visitors. For more information, go to landmarktrust.org.uk.

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GEORGE BERNARD SHAW ‘PLAYING THE CLOWN’

A ‘PRESENTATION’ by BRIAN FREELAND

2.00pm BEECH Village Hall GU34 4AD

(For a map, please see last Newsletter)

Wednesday 18th March 2015 Organiser: Paddy Mendham

PLAYING THE CLOWN’

is a Presentation by Brian Freeland which he describes as part talk, part one-man-show.

Shaw called the clown ‘the best part of the circus’, and wrote ‘I have been playing the clown in so many harlequinades...’ Mrs Patrick Campbell always started her letters to him ‘Dear Joey’, a reference to that other famous clown, Joseph Grimaldi.

‘PLAYING THE CLOWN’ tells Shaw’s story

with respect, with admiration and - as Shaw himself always told it - with humour. Brian was enthused to go into the theatre after seeing a performance of GBS’s Man and Superman at the Bristol Old Vic. He then worked at the London Palladium before touring abroad, usually for the British Council, often with plays by or about G B Shaw.

Wanting something more substantial that might suit Arts and Literary Festivals and Arts Centres, Brian has conceived a presentation where he is both narrator and ‘player’, adding his memories of touring abroad with Shaw productions to his light-hearted chronicles of the life, the plays, the reviews, the correspondence and the complicated personal relationships of the only man to have been awarded both an Oscar and a Nobel Prize.

Cost on door (incl. refreshments): Members £3.00

Non-members £3.50

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CANAL ART

A TALK and DEMONSTRATION

by JOHN ROSS

2.00 pm Elizabeth Hall, Hook RG27 9HH

Thursday 16th April 2015 Organiser: Barbara Cairns

John Ross is a journeyman of The Waterways Craft Guild. The objective of The Guild is to promote knowledge of and skill in traditional waterway crafts, including decorative painting of boats and hardware found on board.

He is planning to bring his boat (a Mirror dinghy) to the Elizabeth Hall. He has transformed a basic sailing dingy into a work of art. We hope he will talk about how the painting style developed and demonstrate how it is done.

Cost on door (incl. refreshments): Members £3.00

Non-members £3.50

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STOWE GARDENS (NT) and SCHOOL, BUCKS

Wednesday 20th May 2015 Organiser: Trish Brooker

Emergency mobile: 07736071041

After coffee we have a tour of the gardens which are in the care of the National Trust. Stowe, with its ornamental lakes, glorious open spaces and wooded valleys is adorned by over 40

temples and monuments. Stowe was Capability Brown’s first major commission. It is one of the supreme creations of the Georgian era and has inspired writers, artists and visitors for more than three centuries. A point of interest is the newly restored Corinthian Arch, a new column and statue of George II, not seen since the early 1800s. The follies are well spaced out and there are a limited number of bookable buggies (first come, first served). Lunch (please select your choice on the booking form) is in the recently restored coaching inn. The afternoon is taken up with a tour of the house. Formerly the home of the Dukes of Buckingham and Chandos, it is now a school. The building is Grade I listed. William Cleare, a pupil of Sir Christopher Wren, began the central block. The exterior of the house has not been significantly changed since 1779 when a secondary entrance was made. Vanbrugh and Kent both worked at Stowe.

Tea can be purchased after the tour.

Depart: 08.00 Hartley Wintney 08.15 Hook 08.30 Basingstoke Return: 16.00 Leave Stowe

Cost: £39.00 Members £41.00 Non- members ** PLEASE BRING NT MEMBERSHIP CARDS OTHERWISE ENTRANCE £7.80

Refreshments: Coffee & lunch included but not tea Accessibility: 2 bookable buggies for garden. House ground floor only

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KINGSTON LACY HOUSE AND GARDENS [NT] DORSET

Wednesday 17th June 2015 Organiser: Jean Belgrove

Emergency mobile: 07583 377355

A relaxing day: to be welcomed on arrival with coffee and biscuits, followed by time to explore the house. Lunch (soup & sandwiches) will be served in a room reserved for us. Guided tours of the garden will be available after lunch. Cream tea can be purchased.

Kingston Lacy was the home of the Bankes family. The Restoration mansion was designed by Sir Roger Pratt for Sir Ralph Bankes to replace the earlier seat of Corfe Castle, which was ruined in the Civil War.

In the 19th century the house was altered by Sir Charles Barry. He worked for the eccentric William John Bankes (1786 - 1855), a friend of Lord Byron. The house was transformed into an Italianate palazzo to house the paintings and works of art collected by Bankes on his extensive travels in the Mediterranean. Inside, the magnificent marble staircase rises to the principal rooms on the first floor.

In the elegant grand Salon paintings hang two or three deep and include works by Rubens. The Spanish Room is the glory of the house with paintings displayed against gilded leather hangings.

Kingston Lacy is surrounded by parkland, landscaped in the late 18th century.

The Edwardian gardens, which include a brightly coloured parterre and a Victorian fernery, are being restored. There is a cedar walk with trees planted by notable visitors, including the Duke of Wellington. The garden has four pink obelisks brought back from a temple on the Nile.

Depart: 08.30 Hartley Wintney 08.45 Hook 09.00 Basingstoke Return: 16.30 Leave Kingston Lacy

Cost: £42.50 Members £44.50 Non-members ** PLEASE BRING NT MEMBERSHIP CARDS OTHERWISE ENTRANCE FEE IS £11.70

Refreshments: Coffee & Lunch incl. Accessibility: Ground floor incl. Egyptian exhibition only. Virtual tour of other floors. 2 buggies bookable.

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SILVER FOR DAZZLING and ENTERTAINING Its History and Use in the Aristocratic Household

A TALK by JAMES ROTHWELL

7.00pm (Note time) CLIDDESDEN Village Hall RG25 2JQ

Thursday 11th June 2015 Organiser: Paddy Mendham

James Rothwell is the National Trust’s Senior Curator for the London and South East Region and the national adviser on silver. He has worked for the National Trust for twenty years. Two of the properties that he has advised are Dunham Massey and Lyme Park (famed as Pemberley in the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice) He has responsibility for the Hampshire, West Sussex and Isle of Wight properties, including The Vyne. As the National Trust's adviser on silver, James has undertaken extensive studies of the Trust's collections and has published various books on the subject.

He is currently working on a study of the spectacular domestic plate at Ickworth House in Suffolk. Acquisitions also fall within James’s remit and over the last few years he has secured the return of two important pieces of silver to The Vyne, Thomas Lobb Chute’s inkstand and, last year (with funds provided by the North Hampshire Centre), one of a set of salvers provided to John Chute by the celebrated silversmith, Frederick Kandler, in 1773.

The talk by James is based upon his research into country house silver and looks at why this metal was such an important component of the English country house. Before the advent of stainless steel in 1913 there was nothing safer and more practicable to eat from than silver. Its qualities of display and its rarity made it highly sought after for the equipping of the aristocratic house. It was inextricably linked with the social history of the centuries up to 1900, as will be made sparklingly clear in the talk.

PLEASE NOTE that this is an EVENING TALK at CLIDDESDEN VILLAGE HALL

Cost at door (including refreshments): Members £3.00

Non-members £3.50

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SWAN UPPING watched from a boat on THE THAMES, followed by a visit to RUNNYMEDE in the anniversary year of

MAGNA CARTA

Tuesday 21st July 2015 Organiser: Trish Brooker

Emergency mobile: 07736071041

Swan Upping dates from medieval times, when the crown claimed ownership of all mute swans. Today the Queen only exercises her ownership on certain stretches of the River Thames which she shares with the Vintners’ and Dyers’ Companies. Traditional Thames rowing skiffs are used when the health of the young cygnets is assessed and data is collected. We have a unique opportunity to watch this annual event, from a Thames River cruiser.

We will have an early start, boarding our vessel at 9am at Windsor, for a four hour return trip. A bar for refreshments will be available throughout the time on board. The boat has an open deck as well as an enclosed one to give maximum viewing opportunities, whatever the weather. A ploughman’s lunch will be served on the return trip to Windsor.

When we leave the boat we will then go on to visit Runnymede, which this year celebrates 800 years since the signing of the Magna Carta, before having a cup of tea and returning home

Depart: 07.45 Basingstoke 08.00 Hook 08.15 Hartley Wintney Return: 15.00 Leave Runnymede

Cost: £48.00 Members £50.00 Non-members Refreshments: Ploughman’s Lunch incl., but NOT tea Cash bar - incl. hot drinks - on boat Accessibility: all areas accessible

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AUGUST LUNCH and QUIZ

12.30 Elizabeth Hall, Hook RG27 9HH

Tuesday 12th August 2015 Organisers: Julie Bowell

Kate Blackman Tel: 01256 762982

This year’s quiz will have the theme ‘Flags and National Anthems’. It will be a mixture of picture and music identification, with some written questions as well. All the answers will be given as a group where you sit for lunch. How many of these do you know? [Answers on back cover]

Lunch arrangements will follow the usual pattern:

o Please indicate on your booking form what type of food you intend to bring.

o Whatever it is should be no more than three portions, or there will be far too much left over.

o We provide disposable plates and cups, cutlery, napkin and soft drinks.

o If you would like to bring your own wine (and glasses, if preferred) please do so.

If you decide at the last minute that you would like to attend, please bear in mind that this is a ticketed event and telephone Kate Blackman so that a

place at table can be laid for you.

Arrive at: 12.30 for lunch at 13.00 NB This is a Ticketed event.

Cost: £4.50 Members £5.50 Non-members Refreshments: Bring your contribution

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A DAY in CAMBRIDGE

Wednesday 19th August 2015 Organiser: Paddy Mendham

Emergency mobile: 07507 673156

King’s College Chapel

Bring your notebooks and cameras and don your mortarboards for our day in Cambridge. After the journey, our driver will drop us for a short walk across Silver Street bridge, over the Cam (with views of Queens’ College and “The Backs”), to Corpus Christi College for morning coffee.

Here we shall meet our Blue Badge Guides. The guided tour route will take us past Old Cavendish Laboratories (Scientific Heritage) St Bene’t’s (oldest church in the shire) and the Eagle Pub. Then we will enter the hallowed portals of King’s College (extended visit booked). The vaulted ceiling of the chapel is marvellous. Next we see where students graduate, Senate House, and touch on the Old Schools, Great St Mary’s Church, Gonville and Caius College, Trinity College, St John’s College and the Round Church, finishing at Magdalene College. We shall have lunch (incl.) in the 16th century Hall of this riverside college.

This building is the same age as The Vyne. A post-prandial stroll will take us into the Fitzwilliam Museum. Here we can see art and history combined and we can purchase mementoes and afternoon tea. A 100 metre walk will then take us to the coach for our 4.30pm departure.

Depart: 08.15 Basingstoke 08.30 Hook 08.45 Hartley Wintney Return: 4.30pm Leave Cambridge

Cost: £61.50 Members £63.50 Non- members Refreshments: Morning coffee and full lunch included. Purchase your own afternoon tea in the Fitzwilliam Museum Accessibility: Look out for old furniture and doors, plus somewhat uneven paving slabs. Also, remember that cyclists abound!

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THE AFRICAN QUEEN

A TALK (with Powerpoint) by KEVIN PATIENCE

2.00pm Elizabeth Hall, Hook RG27 9HH

Tuesday 8th September 2015 Organiser: Paddy Mendham

TThhee TTrruuee SSttoorryy ooff ‘‘TThhee AAffrriiccaann QQuueeeenn’’

The film ‘The African Queen’, starring Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn, is based on the book by C.S. Forrester. The story is set in German East Africa, now Tanzania, in the First World War, where a steam launch captain and a woman missionary make their hazardous way down a river to attack a German lake steamer.

However, the original novel and the film script are very different. Kevin will explain the various versions of this fascinating story. This will include recent, original personal research. He will show us how the original story could have been based on a previously unknown naval action in East Africa. This ‘story’ sounds more like tales from the ‘Boy's Own Adventure Stories’ than naval operations. But this is not quite the whole story: there is the American response to the publication of the original novel and its ending; the claim of a German shipbuilder and the film’s apparent Dorset connection. For anyone who has seen the film this is an interesting slant on its origins. Kevin grew up in East Africa and has written a number of books on the military and transport history of the region and lectured widely on a number of East African subjects.

NEWSLETTER DISTRIBUTION

This is the afternoon when Newsletters for the forthcoming season are distributed and we hope that those who are present will collect them for those members who live near them. It is much appreciated if this can be done, as it saves the Centre significant postage costs.

Those who undertake to deliver Newsletters are asked to do so within a week of the meeting so that members may send in their booking forms for outings promptly.

Cost at door (incl. refreshments): Members £3.00

Non-members £3.50

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NUFFIELD PLACE and CHILTERN VALLEY WINERY & BREWERY

Wednesday 16th September 2015 Organiser: Marianne Parker

Emergency mobile: 07583 377355

Nuffield Place

Welcome and Introduction Guided tours of house and garden

Nuffield Place reveals the surprisingly down-to-earth lives of Lord Nuffield, founder of the Morris Motor Company, and his wife. Their home and personal possessions are just as they left them, the decor and furnishings intact; the comfortable sitting room with a small black and white TV, Lord Nuffield's humble bedroom with a secret built-in workshop. Follow how Lord and Lady Nuffield's thrifty habits, learned in childhood, carried through wartime and on into great wealth. The house is surrounded by pretty gardens that are being restored to how they would have been seen by Lord and Lady Nuffield.

Chiltern Valley Winery & Brewery Fine wines, ales and liqueurs

Welcome, Introduction, Buffet Lunch in fully accessible Old Luxters Barn A memorable Winery and Brewery Tour, including tutored tasting

Set in an area of outstanding natural beauty surrounded by beech woodland and overlooking the beautiful Hambleden Valley, Old Luxters is the family-run home to 'Chiltern Valley Wines', its vineyard, winery, brewery and cellar shop. The modern production, bottling and labelling facilities, cellar shop and wine vats are all housed in traditional farm buildings. The winery has been producing top quality alcoholic beverages since 1982 and in 2007 was awarded a Royal Warrant by The Queen for its English ales. Tours are not weather dependent and there is the choice to join a Fully-Mobile or Less-Mobile tour.

Depart: 08.30 Basingstoke 09.00 Hook 09.15 Hartley Wintney Return: 17.45 Leave Hambleden

Cost: £38.00 Members £40.00 Non-members ** PLEASE BRING NT MEMBERSHIP CARDS OTHERWISE ENTRANCE FEE IS £7.75

Refreshments: Buffet lunch included Accessibility: Disabled toilet available Nuffield Place: Stairs. Ground Floor virtual tour of house facility

AIDE MEMOIRE FOR DIARIES

Page 2015

EVENT Bold = Outing Italic = Talk

15 Wednesday 18th March George Bernard Shaw – Brian Freeland (NB BEECH Village Hall)

12/13 Saturday 11th April ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (2pm) Jonathan Noall (from National Trust)

16 Thursday 16 April Canal Art – John Ross

17 Wednesday 20th May Stowe House and Garden

18 Thursday 11th June Aristocratic silver – James Rothwell (NB 7pm at Cliddesden Village Hall)

19 Wednesday 17th June Kingston Lacy

20 Tuesday 21st July Swan Upping

21 Wednesday 12th August Annual Lunch and Quiz (12.30 for 1.00pm) [TICKETED EVENT]

22 Wednesday 19th August A day in Cambridge

23 Tuesday 8th September The African Queen – Kevin Patience [NEWSLETTER DISTRIBUTION]

24 Wednesday 16th September Nuffield Place & Chiltern Valley Winery

ADVANCE NOTICE

Tuesday 6th October Cream Tea & Talk

Wednesday 28th October National Trust – Dame Helen Ghosh Booking forms from 8 September

Wednesday 18th November Elstree: the new Hollywood - Bob Redman

2016

Wednesday 20th January Quirky reminiscences of musicians & actors - Susie Howe

Wednesday 17th February Talk & NEWSLETTER DISTRIBUTION

Answers to the Quiz questions (p21) Ghana; Vietnam; Puerto Rico

WORLD WAR I

Sculptures by

Robert Truscott in

Winchester Cathedral