Friends from Overseas

On the 14th we enjoyed the privilege of hosting a dinner for the Royal Oak Foundation who are the American branch of the National Trust.
Our visitors were treated to an "access all areas" tour of the house ending with champagne and canapes at the foot of the Grand Staircase.
As the sun set across the park, the doors to the Square Dining Room were opened to reveal the beautifully arranged interior set for dinner.
The dining room is rarely used and it was a real treat to see the reactions of the visitors, it is a particularly atmospheric room especially when lit by candles.
A delicious dinner was served by property staff and volunteers all of which was cooked and prepared by our own property cooks Elaine Scammell and Ashley Groves.

I don't think anyone could have enjoyed it more !

Utter Pandemonium

The 1st of September was certainly one to remember for Petworth House and its neighbouring properties !
We hosted a fun afternoon event entitled Pandemonium in the Park designed as a team building event for ourselves as well as our neighbours.
Challengers were issued with three challenges: Brainiac- researching and following a series of clues around the town Crafty - creating the perfect tea tray, which involved making each component and Sporty - our G.P.S challenge which took competitors to the far reaches of the 700 acre park.
Mercifully the sun shone brightly and a fantastic time was had by all - especially the winners who recieved a huge hamper of vintage sweets !

It's a Hoot !

What a great way to start a Monday morning. Strolling out in the pleasure grounds I came across these beautiful owls who have come to help out with Magic Mondays.

I just about managed to flee before hundreds of little Harry and Hermoines decended to make potions and wands !

The Volunteer Summer Party

For possibly the first time in months the sun managed to shine all day, and helped to make the annual volunteers party a huge success !

Following a brief but rousing introduction from General Manager Robert Jackson, the volunteers were treated to tableau of this years events perfomed by the staff.

Following much food and drink, the staff and VSA's were put through their paces as ponies on the quiz race track.

Conclusion ..... a rather good afternoon and evening !



The Icing on the Cake

A decidedly romantic air wafted around the historic kitchens this weekend, when visitors were treated to the site of wedding cakes en-masse  !
Local cake decorators and bakers were invited to display their creations as part of our two month "Affairs of the Heart" theme.
Everybody seemed to choose a favourite design, but for me it was the promise of rich chocolate cake inside that made the difference !

Vintage Style

Whilst crowds jostled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, a more tranquil and refined air was to be found on the Orange Lawn
Our Promenade Sunday event certainly caused some smiles as visitors tried on vintage clothing, had their hair styled and enjoyed a traditional strawberry tea.
The entire mood of the event was light and fun !

All Revved Up

Despite the best attempts of the English weather to soak everyone to the skin, All Revved Up turned out to be a huge success !
The event was an expansion of our perennial Harley Fathers Day, we added in vintage and classic cars on saturday and some extremely special vintage cars on Sunday.
The George Regis Jazz Band entertained everyone between showers and local caterers Forest Hogs kept everyone supplied with delicious homemade burgers and sausages.
On Sunday the throaty roar of Harley's could be heard across the pleasure grounds as the gleaming chrome shone in the sun.
Willie Austen soon had the crowds smiling as he opened his repertoire with some foot tapping favorites.
All in all, a great weekend for exhibitor and visitor alike !