Event Reports
by Barry Kitson
Longstock Water Gardens 13.07.10
14 members and some partners attended the visit on a slightly dull day. Despite this we were met by Bob Ballard the Head Gardener who gave us a brief talk about the history and development of the gardens. He then encouraged us to walk around the vast array of paths and feel free to ask questions of any gardeners we saw on our tour. The weather did improve to allow some stunning pictures to be taken. Later we adjourned to the Longstock Nursery for a light tea and chance to buy plants.
Dreweatt Sale 05.10.10
8 members attended the Sale Room at Donnington Priory. We were met by James Nicolson, the Director for jewellery, silver and watches. James gave a history of Dreweatts and a description of the marketing and promotion of a sale. He issued copies of the sales brochure for the following day and then explained in detail many of the 400 items. Later we toured the sale room and members of Dreweatt staff showed the individual items and gave specific information to those interested.
Photographic Exhibition 27.10.10
9 members submitted up to 3 photographs each for the exhibition. Every person attending the lunch, including visitors, were given 5 red dots to allow them to vote for what they thought was the best of the 25 photographs available. The winner was John Curtis who received 15 dots for his picture “Early one morning”. The photographs were quite varied in subject matter and of a high standard much appreciated by the “voters”.
Radio Berkshire 08.11.10
12 members attended the Studios at Caversham. We were met by Martyn Strong who as Senior Engineer showed us around the two broadcasting studios, TV studio, control room, and general offices. He explained in great detail the actual controls the broadcasters have to operate and we were able to see a live programme. Martyn explained that the TV Listening Studios next door were not currently available for tours, which was a slight disappointment, however everyone enjoyed the Radio Berkshire visit.
Barry Kitson
18.11.10
Backstage at the Watermill – 10.03.11
8 KVPC members plus 1 partner visited the Theatre for a 12 noon tour. Our host was Stage Manager, Writer and part time Actor Beth Flintoff. We were given a potted history, tour of the back of the stage, the dressing rooms, rehearsal rooms, marketing, dressmaking and production offices. The current production was Alan Aykbourne’s “Relatively Speaking” which several members saw and enjoyed later.
Barry Kitson
14.03.11
Shaw House Tour - 20th May 2011
9 members and one partner enjoyed an excellent tour of this Tudor mansion currently under the care of West Berks Council. Our main guide was David Elliot who conducted us through the building explaining the history as we went. We ended in a very interesting museum room before dropping down to the cafeteria where Judith (and David) served us excellent tea and cakes.
Barry Kitson
24.05.11
Highclere Castle 14.07.11
17 members and two guests enjoyed an excellent tour of this mansion currently famous for its featuring in the TV series Downton Abbey. We met at the main gate although some members managed to squeeze in without tickets earlier and headed for the coffee marquee, as directed. Eventually we all met together and followed the crocodile tour through the main building. Some managed to take in the Egyptian Exhibition before lunch whilst others took longer and saw that later. The fine weather encouraged a trip to the Secret and Monastery Gardens located a short walk away.