Friday 19 January 2018

On Your Own Doorstep... Croome Court



Howde Folks,

Yes, Donald and I are still here trying to brighten your January days. We hope Lady M's quotes about life, last week, put a smile on your faces. We all know that Lady M is a great believer in visiting places near to home as opposed to travelling abroad and not having any idea about your own locality. Last November she took a day trip to Croome Court, a National Trust property, about 35 miles from her home but it was a nice drive on a sunny morning. We thought we would share her experience with you.

Croome Court is a mid-18th century mansion and was the ancestral home of the Earls of Coventry. It is reminiscent of the old days when stately homes housed the aristocracy up and down our land, and many staff waited on them. A time of gracious living for the privileged few recreated in recent years in a television drama Downton Abbey. In 1948 the family fell upon hard times after the 10th Earl was killed in action in 1940. Most of the contents and the house were sold. It was turned into a school for disadvantaged boys and run by nuns. Later, in 1979 it was sold to the Hare Krishna movement. Then, there were a succession of owners until the national Trust acquired it. 

Today, Croome Court is a place of surprises. There is not only the house and the parkland which has also been restored by the National Trust but The Church of St Mary Magdeline, the London Arch, Rotunda, (a beautiful place to admire the views), a walled garden, lake, Temple Greenhouse and a big surprise, The RAF Defford Museum. Lady M said that she had no idea of its existence to which the curator replied that a lot of people said the same. During the war, the land was commissioned for the RAF and it was a hive of military activity. 

Croome Court is a place where you can spend an hour, a morning, afternoon or a day. It's a great place to walk, if you are so inclined. For the less able there is a shuttle service, from the entrance to the house. Our Lady M walked down to the house via the church and Rotunda but took the easy route back and was ready for her lunch. Lunch was an interesting experience in fitting with the environment. The restaurant is in the visitor and museum area and resembles the 1940's canteen but the jacket potatoes were great. After refreshment she went into the museum and then visited the shop before leaving. She had a great day, but then she usually does.

She also took some pretty pics which we are privileged to have.

Church of St Mary Magdalene
The Rotunda


War time tea car

The Museum and Visitor Centre
Well, it was before Christmas!


The London Arch

You may find out all the info you need from www.nationaltrust.org.uk/croome 

Next week is our last week with you before Lady M returns. Then, I guess we'll be allowed to do our own thing until next winter! So, we are deciding which are our exciting events we are going to share with you. Until then, have a great week.

Love to you all, Sofia & Donald xxxx

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