Rosemary receiving a gift of a hamper as a thank you present from the members and Council. Left to right “Four Chairs” Claire de Carle 2021- , Dr Sarah Rutherford 2016-2019, Charles Boot, 1997-2015 and Rosemary Jury. 2019-2021. Photographs: Sarah Gray & Liza Worrell
Letter from your new Chair
Dear Members
Thank you all for electing me as your new chairperson at the AGM held in St Mary’s Church Aylesbury on Saturday 30 October. I am only the fourth one in our 25 year history and we marked the occasion with a group photo of all four of us, Charles, Sarah, Rosemary and myself. It is both a privilege and a challenge that I hope I can rise to.
I don’t know where to start to thank Rosemary, who has been at the helm for the last few years. She has shown huge enthusiasm and perseverance particularly during the last eighteen months, overcoming the challenges of the pandemic. We have all been on a steep learning curve with regard to technology, however Rosemary mastered using Zoom thus enabling us to continue holding talks and our regular Council and Research & Recording Group meetings. We shall continue to use Zoom for meetings as it is so much easier sitting in the comfort of our own homes than travelling to Aylesbury in the rush hour. We are however hoping to return to our in-person events after Christmas with our Winter Lectures, although we may stick to Zoom in January and February as the weather is rather unpredictable.
Following the AGM we held a pilot lecture in our new venue, St Mary’s Church, a presentation on ‘Georgian Garden Visiting’ by our regular guest, Richard Wheeler. I am pleased to say that 40 people attended which was excellent. I fully understand that some of you are still reluctant to attend live events, but we are confident that the church is covid secure: it is a large space ideal for social distancing and everyone is encouraged to wear face masks.
We have welcomed three new members onto the Council: Kathy Jackson who has taken over as Honorary Secretary (Mick Thomson has become Vice-chair), Ellie Broad in a new position of Social Media Officer and Michael Hunt. Sarah Gray has also taken over from Gwen Miles as Membership Secretary. I am so pleased that I have an excellent team of twelve council members who each bring different skills to the table and I am sure they will all contribute greatly to the administration of the Trust.
Next year sees a milestone in our history, as we shall be celebrating 25 years since we were founded back in 1997. We have an exciting range of events planned with the finalised programme being published in February. We hope that you will all want to join us for these celebrations. Demand for tickets is likely to be high and numbers will have to be limited, so I would remind you that we now have an excellent online booking system managed by Ticket Source. It has been increasingly difficult for us to keep track of bookings and as this is a very user-friendly system we would encourage you ALL to book in advance to guarantee your place!
However, before this is Christmas which we shall be celebrating this year at the Bennett Room, New Inn, Stowe. A buffet lunch will be provided by The Farm Deli at Winslow including wine/soft drink. It will give us all more opportunity to circulate and you could even include a pre-lunch walk in your schedule; I have also prepared a Christmas Quiz! So do book a place on line or contact Rosemary.
It just remains for me to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a healthy 2022!
Claire
page 1
Richard Wheeler “The Georgian Visitor:
A Vignette of Garden Visiting in the Eighteenth Century”
Review of “The Georgian Visitor: A vignette of Garden visiting in the Eighteenth Century”, a talk on Saturday 30th October 2021 to the Buckinghamshire Gardens Trust.
Daniel Patterson: Kew Turnham Green 1785. Map Wikipedia
Richard Wheeler gave a very informative and entertaining talk on the Georgian garden visitor to the Bucks Gardens Trust AGM, taking the assembled audience on a tour around the country using a range of images from Thomas Rowlandson and others.
Starting in Holborn we set off in an arrange of carriages using Daniel Paterson’s guide to the roads of Great Britain. Heading north, passing various great gardens we invariably ended up at Stowe Gardens. Using the Seely guides of the period Richard conducted the audience on a tour of the garden. From Stowe the tour continued west taking in Stourhead and onwards, taking in images of Dr Syntax, to the Picturesque beauty of Hafod in West Wales and the paintings of the house by Turner. From there the tour went north to Erdigg, former home of the Yorke family and a collection of portraits not only of the family but of their servants as well. From Wales the circular tour returned back to London.A fine tour filled with wonderful illustrations and anecdotes from Richard’s many years restoring much of the landscape we saw.
Review by Michael Thompson Vice Chair
Richard Wheeler: After 43 years with the National Trust and leading many major garden restorations, including Erddig and Chirk in North Wales, Stowe, Chastleton and West Wycombe, in England and Castle Ward in Northern Ireland, Richard Wheeler is now running his garden history consultancy. He advises on practical garden restoration and runs informal tutorials for the gardeners and garden restorers of the future. He lectures and writes regularly on the history and iconology of gardens and their understanding and restoration.
Former National Specialist in Garden History for the National Trust.He describes himself as a “Superannuated garden historian now practising under the heading Practical Garden History”.
Page 2
Research and Recording update
Bucks Gardens Trust is involved through its Research and Recording team with Bucks Council’s Local Heritage List project. This project is open to all members and general heritage/history enthusiasts. So do get involved if you are interested.
There is currently a government-led Local Heritage Listing initiative to record local sites, buildings, and monuments that are of community and heritage importance, but have either not met the strict statutory listing requirement, or have simply slipped through the net. Buckinghamshire Council has received funding for this project and we need to get people involved to nominate sites. We are also looking for volunteers to assist with the site surveys and data input.
Myself (Lisa Harvey) and the Bucks Local Heritage List Project team would really appreciate help and advice in all areas of this project and are looking for all levels of interest and expertise. If it might be something that you would be interested in, either by nominating somewhere important to you, or by assisting with the process (training will be provided both with the data-inputting and onsite surveying.) please look at the website link.
The Bucks Gardens Trust’s Research and Recording project has at the time of writing (late November 2021) produced 95 ‘site dossiers’ since its inception in 2014.
I have periodically reported on ‘Enriching the List’, whereby the National Heritage List entry for every listed structure in a designed landscape that was the subject of a BGT dossier was enhanced with a paragraph explaining the BGT project and providing a link to the website page www.bucksgardenstrust.org.uk/locally-important-sites/ where the dossiers can be viewed and downloaded. We have now reached the milestone of 301 ‘enriched’ List entries from 95 sites.
As explained in the Autumn 2021 BGT newsletter, recently we have changed the format of the BGT dossiers, producing simpler reports to fit in with the current government-led Local Heritage Listing initiative. This records local sites, buildings and monuments that are of community and heritage importance, but have either not met the strict criteria for addition to the National List (for structures) or Register of Parks and Gardens (for designed landscapes), or have simply slipped through the net. Buckinghamshire Council has received funding for this project and is asking people to nominate sites as well as looking for volunteers to assist with the site surveys and data input. So BGT’s intention of investigating parks and gardens worth recording and protecting dovetails nicely with this Local Listing project. The dossiers we have produced will form part of the nomination process.
Some of the more unusual listed structures we have ‘enriched’ the List entries for include:
Anybody can do this ‘enriching’: you can sign up at https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/enrich-the-list/ and contribute photographs, local knowledge, results of research or links to other relevant websites. For instance some schools have incorporated this activity into their local history investigation projects and uploaded pupils’ photographs of listed buildings to the Heritage List.
Clare Butler
Page 3
Planning Update
By now, you must be thinking I sound like a stuck record (for those of you who remember ‘records’!) as I start this report with the regular comments about how busy we have been. But even our national body, The Gardens Trust, has commented frequently about the enormous number of applications that have been rolling in. So here goes with some updates on the huge variety of challenges we have been facing. For easy reading, I have grouped them into regions around Bucks as a last Hurrah now that Bucks County Council has given the areas new names
In the former Wycombe District Council area, we are delighted to report that our involvement in some of the planning applications has led to revisions to some proposals and seems to have influenced some of the decisions which reassures us that our hard work is worthwhile!
We were able to address two applications through a really helpful site visit to Wycombe Abbey Girls School in October. The first application directly related to the School itself and their proposals for new lighting for the tennis courts. Whilst we could see the need for new lights, we were concerned about their impact across the Grade II registered park and garden (Regional Planning Guidance – RPG). We requested that the height of the lighting columns was reduced and were pleased to note that revised proposals were submitted in accordance with our advice. We were very grateful to the school for welcoming us on the day and be so helpful.
As part of the same visit, we were also able to assess an application for a new energy centre at Wycombe Hospital including a very high chimney stack which would have also impacted on the RPG at Wycombe Abbey. Applications for utility services are always more challenging as they are so essential. However, following the site visit, we objected to the size of the chimney stack and the applicant was happy to reduce the proposed from 17m to 7m and the application has now been approved.
At Fawley Court near Henley, proposals were submitted for the restoration of the stables and works to associate other ancillary buildings. We were delighted to see that the Historic Landscape Report by our very own Dr Sarah Rutherford (as commissioned by the owners) is quoted heavily in the Design and Access Statement and the application clearly takes into consideration Sarah’s recommendations. The proposals are good and we have strongly supported them.
We have also responded to two applications affecting the RPG at Harleyford, a Grade 1 Thameside Villa in a Grade II RPG and await the decisions on these.
The former South Bucks planning area has been extremely busy. A number of applications related to single storey rear extensions where we had no great concerns providing the Local Planning Authority (LPA) could be sure that there was no impact on the RPG.
At Shardeloes near Amersham, we objected to the creation of an agricultural track which involved hard surfacing in a currently undeveloped field in the middle of the RPG and we were pleased to note that the application has been refused.
I have previously reported on planning applications at Stoke Park. Since the entire site was sold to new owners, Reliance Industries for £57 million earlier this year, the site was closed and we await further news on the proposed works.
To the north of the region, in the former Aylesbury Vale area, there has been a number of applications relating to Stowe School. Applications concerning internal works to the buildings do not concern us but we objected strongly to proposals for new lighting of the tennis courts. The planning authority agreed with us and refused the application on the grounds it would “cause harm to the setting of the Grade II listed Menagerie, other designated heritage assets and the historic park and garden “and added “Selecting an alternative lighting design or relocating the tennis courts are considered more suitable options.”
We remain extremely concerned with the proposed Design and Technology Building at Stowe School. We strongly objected to this which the LPA (Local Planning Authority) agreed with. They even commissioned a report from an independent landscape historian who also opposed the proposals. However, the proposals were approved by committee although the Gardens Trust has requested that the application is called in by the Secretary of State.
At Waddesdon, we have supported proposals for alterations at Dairy Cottage but have expressed strong concerns regarding proposals to demolish barns and rebuild them for a brewery adjacent to the car park. We have asked the LPA to require an Historic Landscape Character Assessment. We have also objected to a new agricultural barn on undeveloped land at Stockgrove Park near Soulbury.
Many of you will know Wotton Underwood where we have previously held many AGMs. We made a site visit to consider proposals for a single storey side extension to Lodge Farm, adjacent to the South Wing and we subsequently objected to the scale and form of the proposals. Again, we were pleased to see that the LPA agreed with our conclusions and have refused consent for the application.
At Mentmore, we considered proposals to create equestrian use from a field at Stud Farm. We felt we could support this due to historic equestrian use of the site but we note it has received strong objections from other parties.
A rather charming new site may have been discovered at Beachampton Hall where we were asked to respond to an application for a sunken swimming pool in the historic walled garden. This is not a registered site so we have recommended that no proposals be considered until a full historic landscape character assessment is done.
Back to the major applications – you will undoubtedly be aware that Hartwell House is subject to the HS2 proposals and we were consulted on the impact of the line breaching the perimeter wall. In such cases at this, there is little point in objecting as the HS2 Act of Parliament trumps most objections. However, we were able to comment on the details and we made various points about the proposed works and requested further details as to the impact on the actual RPG itself.
Another major project is the application for a new Category C prison at HMS Grendon Prison. I mentioned in a previous newsletter that we had conducted a site visit and that our Chair, Claire de Carle had written an excellent report on the site. We are now hoping to make a further visit and then will submit additional comments but we fundamentally have very strong objections to these proposals due to the impact on the gardens and setting at both Grendon Hall and Lake House.
Finally, in the Milton Keynes area, we have objected twice to the erection of telecommunications mast adjacent to the Ouzel Valley Park.
Jo Mirzoeff
Page 4
Emberton Country Park
Emberton Country Park View across the lake
One sunny day in August, we began our research of Emberton Country Park. A perfect day for discovery while enjoying the 200 acres of stunning mature parkland. The park, one of the first of England’s country parks to be developed, is situated in the north of Buckinghamshire on the A509 between the village of Emberton and the old market town of Olney. The park lies on the Great Ouse floodplain just south of Olney and is south of the river on the northern outskirts of Emberton village.
First, a little bit of history. The idea of Country Parks was first raised as early as 1929 but it was to be some decades later before legislation enabled local authorities to develop suitable land. The 1960s saw increasing momentum in acquiring land for leisure activities. The reasoning behind this drive was threefold: to ease the pressure on the more remote places, to protect the countryside, and to provide accessible leisure activities without having to travel far.
In 1952, the area which is now the Country Park was used as gravel pits to provide material for the development of the first section of the M1 motorway, which opened in 1959. Newport Pagnell Rural District Council and the County Council then acquired these disused gravel pits on the edge of Emberton village in April 1965. Amazingly, the park was ready for its open day on Whit Sunday, June 1965, allbeit in a much-more reduced form than the current glorious park.
Today’s park provides numerous opportunities for leisure and relaxation with mature wooded glades, lakes, grasslands, riverbanks, and a vast range of wildlife habitats. There is also a caravan and camping area. There is an entrance fee of £4.50 for cars while foot visitors are free.
Our walk began at the main entrance, taking us along the narrow road (also used by visitors in cars) which circles the perimeter of the four lakes. We paused often to admire the views across the lakes, watch the antics of the birdlife on the water and savour the tranquil atmosphere. On ‘Heron Water’ we caught sight of sailing boats.
In contrast to the openness of the parkland, we found a much more intimate feel as we followed the trails and wooden walkways through the conservation area. Meandering under overhanging branches
Carved seat overlooking the lake
and more dense undergrowth, we moved closer to the water’s edge of the two smaller lakes. We saw dragonflies hovering, fish jumping and lilies spreading like a carpet across the water. Fishing is permitted (for a small charge) in the lakes and on the river which marks the park’s boundary: perch, roach or tench may grace your line if you are lucky.
The park is a wonderful place for children, with much to encourage their imagination as they engage in physical play. The main play area is called ‘Spirit of Adventure’, with the various items of play furniture given names such as ‘Dragon’s Gorge’ and ‘Old Man of the Sea’. In a different location the ‘Quarry Experience’ (a nod to the park’s origins) provides an opportunity to be hands on and to explore how by moving various pulleys and levers the sand/gravel can be moved.
Information boards in the conservation area and opposite the café give good detail about the park – its history, geology, habitats and the wildlife.
Talking of the café, of course, we ended our walk with a cuppa and a cake, sitting in the warm sunshine. A perfect ending to a perfect afternoon.
Penny Elvin and Kathy Jackson
Page 5
Glencruitten Cathedral of Trees, Oban
This summer we visited Glencruitten Tree Cathedral, Oban, Argyllshire. The Research and Recording Group Report on Newlands Tree Cathedral (2018) makes reference to Glencruitten as one of the three tree cathedrals in the UK – the other being at Whipsnade. Having seen all three, we may be in a select band.
Glencruitten was created in 1921 by Alexander Mackay, a businessman who owned the nearby estate. On moving to Oban in 1916 he started a programme of afforestation to bring the land into useful production and to create employment. He noticed that the trees on one beautiful spot, with views towards Ben Cruachan, failed to flourish through poor drainage. Rather than abandon the area he decided to redeem it by draining the land and creating a Cathedral of Trees. The construction of the drainage system and planting was to provide employment and community for men coming back from WWI and to be a war memorial. There are a number of Mackay family graves across the site.
https://glencruittencathedraloftrees.org
The design was based on the old Cathedral of St Andrews, Fife and the site is consecrated ground. A speech by Mackay’s granddaughter in 1947 suggests an ambitious planting plan by then maturing well, but over the years it has fallen into some disrepair. In 2016 a charity was set up with the aim of restoring the original design, enriching the biodiversity of the site and creating a resource for the local community and visitors to the area. The work is ongoing.
The approach is through a forest track above Oban. The setting is a small glade, now the site of forestry clearances. There are intermittent views over hills beyond Oban. Entry to the Cathedral is via the porch or west gate and you are invited to record your visit by placing a pebble in an upside down flowerpot.
The columns of the nave are Irish yew, though some are missing. The ground, originally heaths and then later mown grass, is now a mix of wild and garden flowers giving a sense of life and colour while attracting pollinators and other wildlife. The central path has recently been restored.
The Nave JS & PT
The altar is at the east end. There is a yew altar cross set against the east window, which is a large Japanese maple offering a variety of colours throughout the year. The noticeboard refers to the tree finishing with poppy-red leaves which fall around Remembrance Day. The altar is the burial place of Alexander Mackay. The choir stalls are formed of clipped yew and other evergreens.
The East Window & Choir JS &PT
The peace garden, formerly the yew cloisters, has been redesigned with a circle of split leaf alders which surround the headstones and central urn, or baptismal font (part of the original design).
The chapter house is formed of high walls of yews and evergreens. It now houses 12 stumps from a nearby Tsuga tree, recently felled, representing the disciples. These surround a central cross mown into the grass.
Glencruitten is different from the tree cathedrals of Milton Keynes and Whipsnade in being both consecrated ground and a burial site. It is not just a landscape of spiritual plantings. The site illustrates the challenges of managing planting on this scale over decades and its continued existence is a tribute to local volunteers.
References: National Record of the Historic Environment, Scotland, Site No: NM82NE191
Last Saturday I embarked on my long-awaited visit to Priestfield Arboretum, I was keen to find out more about this hidden gem tucked away in the Chilterns as we are planning a visit there next year as part of our 25th anniversary celebrations. Unfortunately, the weather forecast was none too favourable with heavy rain expected to continue all day, stalwart garden historians are not put off by this and I set off as planned.
The arboretum is accessed from a private road in Little Kingshill, it is privately owned and maintained by volunteers. The land can only be accessed by members of ‘Friends of Priestfield Arboretum’ and small organised groups are shown round by the friends on open days. The 2.4 hectare site is home to approximately 200 broadleaf and conifer specimen trees from around the world.
The arboretum was created around 1917 by Thomas Priest a local solicitor and amateur tree enthusiast who planted the garden of his house, Harewood, with exotic trees. The land had previously been a large kitchen garden and orchard. Sadly, his original list of trees is now lost but was thought to have included 70 varieties of conifer and more than 400 trees in total. An excellent guidebook and tree list was included with my entry and is a very useful for reference.
Katura, Cercidiphyllum Japonicum Claire de Carle
During the mid-twentieth century there was only minimal upkeep and unfortunately the devasting storms in 1987 and 1990 wreaked immense damage. Inevitably over time the collection has changed as trees die and new ones are planted. However, the arboretum continues to provide a fine collection of choice and rare trees of varying ages, including a number of champions!
I hope I have whetted your appetite and the arboretum will be on your list for 2002 to visit. The walk will be led by Michael Hunt, Bucks GT’s tree expert.
The Linford Lime is a spectacular specimen of common lime which was planted in the 18th century. In 2015, it was shortlisted for the National Trust Woodland Tree of the Year competition. This tree was pollarded many years ago, which is why it has such a huge base and distinctive shape.
The common lime tree has heart-shaped leaves, and can be identified by the twiggy growth collected around the base of the trunk. In Europe, the lime has long been associated with fertility, and was often planted in France after battles as a symbol of liberty.
The Linford Lime can be found along the canal at Great Linford Manor Park, which can be accessed from Marsh Drive in Great Linford. It is thought to be 300–500 years old. The lime tree (Tilia × Europaea) is also known as the linden and earlier trees may be the source of the name ‘Great Linford’ – a ford over a river near a linden tree, although there are other possible derivations.
For a comprehensive history of Great Linford Manor Park,
Roses grow in the most unlikely climates and surroundings; but who would have thought that there would be humorous topiary and a country cottage in Iraq? In the background is the cascade flowing from the lake, and a Syrian refugee sitting on a bench playing a lute and singing, watched by two local men. We went and listened to him and despite language barriers we sensed the yearning.
Liza Wormell
Notes: Erbil is the capital of Kurdistan and this photograph is taken in Minarah Park (sometimes spelt Irbil)
Page 9
Bowood House, Wiltshire
Visiting was a last minute decision as the weather forecast initially was for rain. We have for years passed the brown sign on the M4 but never visited. The site is still owned by the family . The main house was demolished in 1956 , access akin to Wrest Park is to the front wing. The displays focus on the old house and the difficulties of maintaining what remains. Like many large estates, death duties and occupation of the property during the second world war caused major issues.
There is very little on the garden history but the garden shouts Capability Brown from the entrance. Apart from taking in the exhibition. We admired the terraces, (post Brown and built in two phases) , which had fine views of the water. Then we walked to the cascade, temple and grotto and back through the pleasure grounds and pinetum. There are some very fine trees, many of which have been recently planted.
Subsequent research produced the listing https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1000336 which is a good start for those of us working on the research and recording project as we are familiar with the style . Subsequently I have looked in several of my Brown/garden history books and learned more. It was good to have confirmed for example that in the course of the development of the lake, further groundworks had sculpted the landscape to form valleys .
Definitely worth a visit but do your homework first and they owners are definitely missing an opportunity in not at least providing some information about the garden history.
Tresco Abbey Gardens
This was my third visit over 40 years. The entrance fee is steep but then everything on Tresco is expensive. For those unfamiliar with the Isles of Scilly , the climate is very temperate with frost and snow a rarity . The gardens at Tresco Abbey (17 acres) have been developed to show case trees, shrubs and plants from all over the world which would not grow outside elsewhere. Indeed the gardens are protected by a substantial tree belt on all sides not least because the often strong winds are very salty. The site is sloping and from certain points you get good views of the sea and other islands. Several terraces showcase plants from different parts of the world and generally they are well labelled.
In 1987 the entire garden was destroyed by the Great Gale and had just been restored and replanted when in 1990 the hurricane blew through destroying the tree belt and ripping out the new planting or turning it to mush . Mike Nelham who has been Head Gardener since 1984 has done an amazing job in restoring the gardens again.
The Isles of Scilly are one of my favourite places in the UK. The landscape is beautiful (and ancient). Growing early narcissi for the mainland was a big part of the economy (akin to the early strawberries you could buy from the south facing fields in the Mendips near Cheddar) but the polytunnel has destroyed this business and only one supplier of postal flowers remains . However, the flora of the islands is beautiful . Apart from the ubiquitous heather, the agapanthus and crocosmia have self seeded in abundance as well as many other wonderful umbellifers. Agapanthus plants were for sale at £2.50 each !!
The Buckinghamshire History Festival has been held every Autumn since 2016 when it was set up by Katherine Gwen, Community Outreach and Projects Archivist at Buckinghamshire Archives (or The Centre for Bucks Studies as it was known then). The Bucks Gardens Trust were involved in the events from the start, when a few talks were held on one day in The Judges Lodgings, Aylesbury while local heritage organisations put on displays in the main building across the road. I was asked to give a short talk about Humphry Repton in 2018 BGT always attended this event, as it was a good networking opportunity. The event has gone from strength to strength, although we found that people tended to confuse the event with that organised by BAS, The Local History Network fair held around the same time of year.
Last year during the pandemic the event was forced to go online, and Katherine extended it by organising talks and podcasts online. This year she has pulled out all the stops, with numerous podcasts, videos and zoom talks on wide ranging subjects. Again, I was asked to present a talk, this time on our Artists gardens project. I have watched several other talks on diverse subjects all with a link to the county, including a live link up with The Stowe House Preservation Society and the Huntingdon Library in California, complete with the annual Fireworks Display at Stowe in the background. The Zoom events have attracted a far larger audience including from beyond Bucks, unfortunately they are not recorded (due to copyright issues).
I would just like to say a huge thank you to Katherine for giving us the opportunity to take part in the History Festival and wish her the very best of luck as she is off to pastures new when she starts her new job in London in December.
Claire de Carle
P.S.Things to still look out for: A podcast featuring myself in conversation with Jackie Hunt the gardener at Turnend about the garden and the work of the Gardens Trust, plus a film of the garden at Turn End.
page 11
Buckinghamshire Gardens Trust Subscription: amazing value with no increase since 1997!
A very big thank you to a number of Life Members who have generously donated cheques to “Top Up” funds, it is greatly appreciated.
Buckinghamshire Gardens Trust has not increased its subscriptions since 1997, the year of its foundation. In spite of an annual 2.7% inflation rate (Bank of England Inflation Calculations) the Trust has managed with some generous donations to maintain the original subscriptions. The Council have agreed that from April 1st 2022 we shall have to increase our subscriptions but only roughly in line with the inflation rate. So you are paying no more than you would have done 25 years ago! In fact generally less. When increasing the rates we reviewed eight other local County Garden Trusts and we will still be one of the most reasonable in the country after the increases in April 2022.
As members like to review & update their bank account standing orders or direct debits in the New Year 2022 we thought that advance warning of increases would be useful.
Membership Subscriptions 1st April 2022
Membership
New 2022
1997
Inflation 2.7% to 2020
Individual
£20
£15
£27.92
Joint/Family
£30
£20
£37.23
Single Life
£300
£150
£279.19
Joint Life
£450
–
Schools/Societies
£25
£25
£45.33
Sarah Gray – Membership Secretary
Page 12
More Trees – photographs of trees taken by members in 2021
Apple tree: Westbury Arts Centre Clare Butler
Willow tree – Westbury Arts Centre Clare ButlerAlnus Glutinosa “laciniata” -Rousham Michael HuntAncient oak – Stoke memorial Gardens Peter Hawkes
Horse Chestnut – Hughenden Valley Gwen MilesQuercus Laurifolia Champion Tree – Tomkins Arboretum Michael Hunt
Page 13
More News and Snippets
Buckinghamshire Gardens Trust Events
The programme for the Winter Lectures for January and February will be confirmed shortly and will be via zoom.
The National Archives has announced that the 1921 Census for England and Wales will be published online by Findmypast on 6 January 2022.
A team of hundreds of Findmypast conservators, technicians and transcribers has worked for almost three years to complete the task of getting the census ready. It is the largest project ever completed by The National Archives and Findmypast, consisting of more than 30,000 bound volumes of original documents stored on a mile of shelving.
The Trust is delighted to welcome the following new members: Benjamin Alsop, Angus Hutcheson,Jing Huang, Daniel Williams
Celebrating 25 Years
Claire de Carle and her 25th Anniversary team are putting together a very exciting events timetable for 2022 to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Trust. It includes a series of walks, visits to ‘Unforgettable Gardens’ and a celebration at one of Buckinghamshire’s outstanding properties.
Looking for a small gift for friends, neighbours for the New Year, then we have the answer. This year we have had published a Desk Calendar for a £5 donation. The photographs have been taken by members and celebrate the “Unforgettable Gardens” in Buckinghamshire. The calendar comes with an envelope and can be posted to friends and relatives for the price of a large envelope stamp 96pence.
The Buckinghamshire Gardens Trust is a Registered Charity number: 1099674 and a member of The Gardens Trust. It is a Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England and Wales: 4828124. Registered Office: c/o 4, Pearce’s Courtyard, Manor Road, Oakley, Bucks. HP18 9WY Website: www.bucksgardenstrust.org.uk
Bucks Gardens Trust is involved through its Research and Recording team with Bucks Council’s Local Heritage List project. This project is open to all members and general heritage/history enthusiasts. So do get involved if you are interested.
he most unlikely climates and surroundings; but who would have thought that there would be humorous topiary and a country cottage in Iraq? In the background is the cascade flowing from the lake, and a Syrian refugee sitting on a bench playing a lute and singing, watched by two local men. We went and listened to him and despite language barriers we sensed the yearning.
Visiting was a last minute decision as the weather forecast initially was for rain. We have for years passed the brown sign on the M4 but never visited. The site is still owned by the family . The main house was demolished in 1956 , access akin to Wrest Park is to the front wing. The displays focus on the old house and the difficulties of maintaining what remains. Like many large estates, death duties and occupation of the property during the second world war caused major issues. 
Subsequent research produced the listing https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1000336 which is a good start for those of us working on the research and recording project as we are familiar with the style . Subsequently I have looked in several of my Brown/garden history books and learned more. It was good to have confirmed for example that in the course of the development of the lake, further groundworks had sculpted the landscape to form valleys .
This was my third visit over 40 years. The entrance fee is steep but then everything on Tresco is expensive. For those unfamiliar with the Isles of Scilly , the climate is very temperate with frost and snow a rarity . The gardens at Tresco Abbey (17 acres) have been developed to show case trees, shrubs and plants from all over the world which would not grow outside elsewhere. Indeed the gardens are protected by a substantial tree belt on all sides not least because the often strong winds are very salty. The site is sloping and from certain points you get good views of the sea and other islands. Several terraces showcase plants from different parts of the world and generally they are well labelled.
Buckinghamshire (virtual) History Festival
Looking for a small gift for friends, neighbours for the New Year, then we have the answer. This year we have had published a Desk Calendar for a £5 donation. The photographs have been taken by members and celebrate the “Unforgettable Gardens” in Buckinghamshire. The calendar comes with an envelope and can be posted to friends and relatives for the price of a large envelope stamp 96pence.
