Preparing for Christmas

I know its early, but we are certainly already gearing up and picking up the pace towards Christmas.
This year we are extremely excited about our 3rd Earls Christmas event, which is going to be held in some of the State Rooms in the main house.
The Garden Team will be bringing in boughs of greenery to decorate, and the House Team will be lighting the Dining Room fire and setting the dining table for luncheon.
In the Historic Kitchens the wonderful Jacky Brown and her team will be creating a feast for the eyes, whilst costumed volunteers will welcome our visitors to the Oak Hall
Here are some of the pictures we are using to promote the event.
Check out the property website for more details www.nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth

Foraging for Fungi

The Park was looking stunning for our October Fungi Foray, and whilst it has not been the best season for fungi, the avid foragers were still able to fill a basket to cook later in the afternoon.
Local forager and restaurateur  Nik Westacott started the day with a fascinating talk on gathering fungi and some of the perils involved !
Following the morning session the foragers enjoyed a picnic lunch beside the landrover in the Park, and in the afternoon more hunting was followed by a tasty sampling session.
We are definately looking forward to more of these next year.

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 !