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Club Meeting on 9th May 2012
Judy Popley, a former events promoter at Arley Hall, Cheshire, gave an illustrated talk called ‘A Prospect of Arley’. With photographs taken in the 1890s by Roland Mills, who worked there at that time, she was able to show members of the estate staff, including house servants, gardeners and dairy maids. Other photographs showed what the gardens used to look like. The vinery and pineapple house are still there today, as is the avenue of pleached limes planted leading to the clock tower; this was planted in 1882.
In 1890 the ‘Furlong Walk’ was constructed for owner Rowland Edgerton Warburton. He was a lover of horse racing, hence the name and the length. As he was blind by this time, a guide wire was laid so that he could enjoy the walk unaided.
During the 2nd World War the house was at first used to house evacuees and then later wounded soldiers who were looked after by the Red Cross. Needless to say, the gardens became neglected at this time. They have since been restored to their former glory, including the magnificent herbaceous borders which are reputed to be the oldest in England.
Also refurbished were all the estate lodges, since used as residences by some well known people, including George Osborne the current Chancellor of the Exchequer and local MP, who lived in ‘Green Lodge’ at one time.
The vote of thanks was given by Mrs Hartshorne and refreshments were served by Mesdames Brown and Owen.
The next indoor meeting will be not be until 8th August when Alan Leyland will give a talk on ‘Carnivorous Plants’. However, three trips have been arranged for the summer months: Holker Hall and Gardens on 9th June, Arola House, Sabden on 13th June and Cold Cotes, at Kettlesing near Harrogate on 11th July