Summer Pub and National Trust Garden Visit - Sunday 19th August.

The Thames Valley Austin Healey committee would like to remind you of our next planned event for the summer - less than one month away.  Now that summer has hopefully eventually arrived we look forward to a pleasant afternoon sharing food at a pub west of Reading followed by a scenic drive to The Vyne (see link), a national trust property in North Hampshire.  There we have arranged for a private tour of their exquisite gardens by the head gardener or garden steward, followed by tea in the nearby Brewhouse restaurant.

Rendezvous at the Rowbarge Inn (station road, Woolhampton RG7 5SH) at 12.30 for lunch.  Depart 2.15/2.30 for the short drive to The Vyne.  The Garden tour at The Vyne (RG24 9HL) will take place at 3.00.  The tour will last approximately 30-45 minutes, followed by tea.  To help everyone find us at the pub, there will be a large Austin Healey banner near us in the garden area outside.

Details of the Rowbarge Inn: http://www.pub-explorer.com/berkshire/pub/rowbargeinnwoolhampton.htm.

'Set in lovely surroundings with a river to one side and a canal to the other, the Rowbarge Inn can be found at the end of the village of Woolhampton next to the railway station. This beautiful old 18th Century fronted building was often visited by Douglas Bader and owned in the 70's by actor Larry Naismith when it was frequented by such famous names as Lawrence Olivier and Cary Grant. When you step inside the olde worlde Rowbarge you can sense a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere with a cosy feel created by open fires lit during the winter months and friendly staff. Food here is not to be missed. Traditional English Fayre from duck, beef stew and rib-eye steak to more modern choices such as lasagne are served along with daily fresh fish. Vegetarian options include 3 daily dishes and a children's menu is also served here, so a choice for everyone.'

Details of The Vyne: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-thevyne

'Originally built as a great Tudor 'power house', The Vyne was visited by King Henry VIII on at least three occasions and was later home to the Chute family for more than 350 years. Dramatic improvements and changes have made The Vyne a fascinating microcosm of changing fads and fashions over five centuries. The house is filled with the original family collection – an eclectic mix of fine furniture, portraits, textiles and sculpture.

The attractive gardens and grounds feature an ornamental lake, one of the earliest summerhouses in England and woodland walks. A newly developed wetlands area with new bird hide attracts a wide diversity of wildlife'.  The Vyne estate consists of 452 hectares (1120 acres).  Each area has a totally different character and supports a wide variety of animals, birds, plants and trees.

Today visitors can enjoy fine herbaceous borders, a ‘William Robinson’ inspired wild garden, organic orchard and Edwardian style summerhouse garden.

A large Walled garden dates back to the 18th century. The Summerhouse is possibly the earliest domed garden building in England, dating from c1635. Designed by John Webb, and built in the shape of a Greek cross, it is thought to be one of a pair planned for the garden and originally had a first floor which has now collapsed.  Ornately decorated with plasterwork and richly painted, it was variously used as a banqueting house, a 'lust' house and a dovecote. Currently research is being undertaken into its original appearance and it will soon be undergoing restoration to its former glory.

Next to the Summerhouse is the ‘Hundred Guinea Oak’, so called because according to family legend, William John Chute declined to sell it to a passing timber merchant who offered 100 guineas for the wood. The wonderful oak tree is thought to be well over 600 years old.

As you can see an interesting and exciting Sunday afternoon in August.  Please reply indicating interest and confirming attendance - we are restricted to a maximum number of 30 for the private garden tour, so if you have not already expressed interest and confirmed your place, book early, as they say, to avoid disappointment.

Admission prices

National trust Members: Free. Gift Aid: £8, child £4, family £20. Groups £6.50. Standard: £7.27, child £3.63, family £18.18. Grounds only (Gift Aid): £5, child £2.50. Grounds only (standard): £4.54, child £2.27. Reduced rate when arriving by cycle or public transport (applies to house & grounds ticket only).

If you are interested in coming or if you need further details, please contact:

Dennis Horner
Mobile number +44 (0)7891360185
E-mail dennis.horner@atosorigin.com