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What a success!!!
Around seventy members and guests attended our 25th Anniversary Party on Thursday afternoon(13th October) and Hampden House was the perfect setting for this special occasion. The sun came out and in the afternoon enabled those that wanted the opportunity to explore the garden.
On arrival, we enjoyed a glass of refreshing English sparkling wine and once everyone was gathered in the Great Hall, Brian Dix took the helm as Master of Ceremonies and Claire de Carle introduced the proceedings with a short speech. This was followed by a few words from our founding member, Candy Godber and rather more than a few words from Charles Boot, he covered so much ground that by the time it was Sarah Rutherford’s turn most things had been said! However, she brought along copies of the first twenty newsletters (The Bucks Gardener) which many members were not familiar with, she also asked all the founding members to put their hands up and there were about eight present.
Tim Oliver, the present owner, at the request of the members kindly gave a brief history of Hampden House and outlined the extensive restoration programme that he and his wife Suzie had masterminded; the house remains in private ownership.
Following the toast, we all moved into the stunning dining room for a delicious lunch. This was followed by tea and our special anniversary cake taken in the Brick Parlour and on the terrace overlooking the extensive lawns.
It was wonderful to be able to socialise again after several years of covid restrictions. Thank you to all who attended especially those who travelled from Devon and Wales.
Claire de Carle
Photographs by Claire de Carle & Dianne Long
