There was much to report at the April meeting including the recent Public Affairs Liaison talk from Professor Kevin Taylor about Fracking from Veronica Oliver, and information about Town Farm Quarry and the residents' objections to the possibility of it re-opening with many more HGV journeys, by Rosemary Mullett.
Last month the walking group walked across the quarry following a footpath. Sue Williams welcomed members and guest, Joyce Kirkpatrick from Pickmere, who was particularly interested in hearing about Arley from the speaker, Judy Popley, who used to work at Arley as an event promoter. Arley was offered a book of old photographs taken by Roland Mills, the gardener, during the latter part of the 1890s, when Roland and Mary Egerton-Warburton were the owners. The book turned up through one of Roland Mill's descendants. It featured many of the people who worked at Arley as estate workers, household servants and dairymaids. It showed 'A Prospect of Arley' down the pleached lime avenue with the clock tower at its focus, the famous herbaceous border with the alcove and the ilex bushes when they were much smaller. There were photos of the house as it was in the 1890s before the servants' wing was demolished. Judy gave an insight not only into the owners of Arley Hall past and present but also of the staff who worked in the house and garden and maintained it to such a high standard. Today Lord Ashbrook and his family live in a smaller house on the estate as the main house is let out for weddings and other functions. Other houses on the estate have been renovated in recent years and George Osborne M.P. lived in one for a short period. The garden is still regarded as one of the top 'must see' gardens in the country.
The speaker was thanked by Sue Williams. Judy Popley was asked to make three draws. Selina Rooney was the lucky winner of the draw to represent the WI at Buckingham Palace. Diana Brown won the Denman bursary and Elizabeth Wakeford won the flower arrangement. Sue Williams reminded members that at the next meeting, on Tuesday 12 May, the resolution will be discussed and there will be a social supper.
The March 2015 Meeting Report is here.
