DUTY CALLS: CASTLE HOWARD IN TIME OF WAR

Transcription

DUTY CALLS: CASTLE HOWARD IN TIME OF WAR
Castle Howard
Summer
Late
Summer
20132013
(Issue 51)
(Issue 51)
DUTY CALLS:
CASTLE HOWARD IN
TIME OF WAR
See pages 4 and 5
Christopher Howard (third from left) and his crew in front of their Boston light bomber in 1942
www.castlehoward.co.uk
Castle Howard Newsletter - Late Summer 2013
Page 2
HOWARDIAN HILLS JUBILEE
Last year marked 25 years since the Howardian
Hills was officially designated as an Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
To mark the jubilee year, the AONB Committee
Bridge or the Gatehouse.
The seats are made from a length of natural oak
branch wood, sourced from the Castle Howard
Estate and secured to the ground with stout stakes;
is installing 25 natural log seats at viewpoints
providing a welcome resting spot which is in
throughout the area. The first was installed in
keeping with the surroundings.
December last year and overlooks the Mausoleum
Wet ground conditions and the need to cross
farmers’ arable fields has meant a slight delay in the
at Castle Howard.
The site was chosen by Nick Cooke, Forestry
seat installation but the remaining log seats are
Manager and is situated just by East Moor Banks
hoped to be in place by the end of summer and will
Woods within easy walking distance of the Castle
be spread throughout the 16 mile west-to-east
Howard car park and grounds via the New River
length of the AONB.
Paul Jackson, Howardian Hills AONB Manager
Rest a while and take in one of
Nick Cooke’s favourite views
www.howardianhills.org
As one of the areas of landscape recognised in
the late 1940s as being worthy of national
protection; the Howardian Hills was officially
recognised as an AONB in October 1987.
It covers a total area of 75 square miles
stretching from Helmsley to Malton, Howsham to
Husthwaite and is one of 47 AONBs in England,
Wales and Northern Ireland.
Other North Yorkshire AONBs include
Nidderdale and the Forest of Bowland.
‘OSCAR’ NOMINATION
I am pleased to announce Castle Howard has
visitor offer which includes our ‘added-value’ events
been shortlisted for a tourism ‘Oscar’! The annual
programme, a new Coffee Shop & improved
White Rose Awards organised by Welcome to
Boathouse Café, as well as the recent work
Yorkshire, are the highest official recognition a
undertaken by the Castle Howard Arboretum Trust
tourism provider can achieve.
to reinstate the 18th-century pathways in Ray
The awards recognise excellence in visitor
experience, product development and customer
Wood.
The awards ceremony takes place on Monday
service. Our entry in the Large Visitor Attraction
11th November in Leeds. We are keeping our
category, highlights recent improvements to our
fingers crossed!
www.castlehoward.co.uk
Castle Howard Newsletter—Late Summer 2013
Page 3
BOUGHT WITH LOVE: BRITAIN’S
ART HISTORY
A new BBC 4 mini-series aired in July featuring
Castle Howard and the contribution made by the
5th Earl to Britain’s art history.
national collection.
In the final episode, shown on Wednesday 31st
July, Helen met the Hon Simon Howard and
‘Bought With Love: The Secret History of
Dr Chris Ridgway to discuss the 5th Earl’s love of
British Art Collections’ saw art historian Helen
art and the part he played in shaping the history of
Rosslyn explore how passionate collectors brought
art of our nation.
great art into Britain. She revealed the stories of the
Catch all three episodes on BBC iPlayer.
men and women whose enthusiasm for art, sense of
Rachel Underwood, Marketing Manager
adventure and powerful wealth built Britain’s
WHEN MR DARCY
CAME TO VISIT
If you visited the House between Sunday 30th
June and Friday 12th July you will not have failed
to notice the large number of TV vehicles,
scaffolding and lighting rigs outside the house - not
to mention the many elegant characters in costume
lounging in the sunshine on the South Front steps.
Guide Gwynne Hoss has her Mr Darcy
moment - with Matthew Rhys
We were delighted to be chosen as one of the
main locations for a new three-part drama ‘Death
(Elizabeth), Matthew Rhys (Darcy), Matthew
Comes to Pemberley’, which is to be shown at
Goode (Wickham), Penelope Keith (Lady Catherine
Christmas on the BBC.
de Bourgh) and Trevor Eve (Sir Selwyn Hardcastle).
‘Death Comes to Pemberley’ is adapted from
The director Daniel Percival thanked the
PD James's international bestselling novel of the
Howard family and staff for their “kindness,
same name. Written as a ‘sequel’ to Jane Austen’s
patience and support” as the cast and crew
Pride and Prejudice, it picks up the story of
undertook a mammoth eleven day shoot, with
Elizabeth and Darcy six years into their marriage.
many scenes wrapped in the early hours of the
Filming took place in the bedrooms and South
Front rooms, as well as in the Walled Garden and
Temple of the Four Winds.
morning.
After leaving Castle Howard the crew headed
south to film at Chatsworth. Other locations for
Castle Howard played host to a star-studded
cast, which included Anna Maxwell Martin
the drama include Harewood House, Newby Hall
and York.
www.castlehoward.co.uk
Castle Howard Newsletter - Late Summer 2013
Page 4
DUTY CALLS:
CASTLE HOWARD IN TIME OF WAR
Our new exhibition ‘Duty Calls: Castle Howard
story of her son Geoffrey commanding a fleet of
in Time of War’ opened in May as part of a series
London buses in Belgium that ferried troops to the
of linked exhibitions running across the member
front (blind in one eye he was not able to fight in
houses of the Yorkshire Country House Partnership
the trenches); the tragic death of his younger
throughout 2013 and 2014.
brother Michael at Passchendaele in 1917; and
The exhibition looks at the impact of conflict
most surprising of all, the extraordinary little diary
on Castle Howard; for both the family and wider
of Private James Prest from his time as a prisoner of
community. The stories encompass the lives of
war in 1918, generously loaned by his son John
those left behind as well as those fighting and of the
who lives in Coneysthorpe.
These were just a few of the stories we could
staff, tenants and family alike.
Intensive research for the exhibition began in
present and illustrate with documents and
late February and there was some trepidation as to
photographs. But we had to leave out the touching
whether we had enough material to make a good
episode of how the estate horses were requisitioned
exhibition. These anxieties quickly vanished as a
by the army in 1914, with the request by the agent
huge amount of material began to emerge from the
that the children’s ponies be returned after the
archives as well as from individuals keen to share
conflict; the German POW camp near Welburn;
their memories, objects and documents. We’ve
and the emotive issue of what did or did not
received items from as far afield as Australia as well
constitute a reserved occupation, which would
as from across the UK with the exhibition
exempt men from going to the front.
developing as more and more articles come in.
Discoveries from WWI included: Rosalind, the
There were just as many stories to tell from
WWII. The surprise at finding out that in 1937
9th Countess, refusing to make Castle Howard
Castle Howard was already being thought of as a
available to the military in September 1914; the
hospital in the event of an attack by air; the
www.castlehoward.co.uk
Castle Howard Newsletter - Late Summer 2013
Page 5
astonishing set of letters and journals among the
finished installing the exhibition with the thought
children of Geoffrey Howard: Christian, Mark,
‘thank goodness the Howard family never threw
George and Christopher, and their experiences at
anything anyway.’
home and away fighting. There were also reminders
that life went on as normal despite the conflict;
when the house was a school the headmistress
asked for modifications to be made to the house
whilst occupied by so many pupils in the same week
as thousands of British troops were lying exhausted
on the beaches of Dunkirk awaiting evacuation.
Once more, a great deal had to be left out,
including details of the military occupation of part
of the Estate in 1939.
Because of the wealth of material and the
ongoing contribution being made by members of
the public, we have decided to issue a book to be
launched at the beginning of the 2014 season. If
you have any recollections, documents or
photographs relating to Castle Howard in time of
war please get in touch. We are also planning a
number of lectures and events throughout 2014.
‘Duty Calls’ tells a hitherto unknown chapter in
the history of Castle Howard; the abundance of
material available in the archives has allowed us to
Chris Ridgway, Curator
The other Yorkshire Country House
Partnership members participating in the ‘Duty
Calls’ exhibitions are:
Beningbrough Hall, Brodsworth Hall, Fairfax
House, Kiplin Hall, Lotherton Hall, Newby Hall,
Nostell Priory and Sewerby Hall.
The decision to launch the project a year in
advance of the nationwide commemorations in
2014 was taken to allow for reflection before the
array of events next year. Additionally, the
exhibitions may prompt people to come forward
and thus allow the collections to develop and
mature over the two years.
Find out more about Duty Calls and the
Yorkshire Country House Partnership at:
www.ychp.org.uk
Below: Notification issued in 1914, warning of a
possible invasion. Just one of many official wartime
documents in the archives at Castle Howard.
provide a glimpse into that history. As a curator I
London buses, ‘bristling with bayonets’,
transporting British soldiers to the trenches.
From 1914-15 Geoffrey Howard commanded a
fleet of 1,000 buses in Belgium.
www.castlehoward.co.uk
Castle Howard Newsletter - Late Summer 2013
Page 6
A SUMMER OF POP & PROMS
not forgetting a rousing finale of flag-waving
favourites from the Last Night of the Proms and
spectacular firework display.
On Sunday 18th August the nineties and
noughties will be revisited, with a fantastic line-up
including Five, Blue, Atomic Kitten, B*Witched,
911 and the Honeyz. Following the success of hit
Popfest: Blue at Castle Howard
on Sunday 18th August
TV show The Big Reunion, these popular bands are
making a comeback and will be visiting Castle
Howard for an amazing pop extravaganza. We are
also excited to be welcoming a special guest
presenter... yet to be announced!
Tickets are still available for the Proms
Spectacular and Popfest - buy online at
www.maconcerts.co.uk
August this year promises to be a very musical
New for 2013 and perfect for the family, on
month. There is something for everyone, from the
Saturday 24th August the Minster FM stage will
pomp and ceremony of the Proms to Sounds in the
come to Castle Howard to showcase the very best
Grounds showcasing up-and-coming bands as well
in local talent – from young, up-and-coming bands
as cover artists. Not to mention the ‘noughties’
to established cover bands playing your favourite
favourites, who will be taking to the stage at
hits. There will be something for everyone and lots
Popfest!
to keep younger members of the family entertained,
As ever the Castle Howard Proms Spectacular,
including stilt-walkers, circus skills, magic shows
on Saturday 17th August, will be a great
and face painters. There is no need to book in
celebration of all things British. This year it will
advance, just turn up on the day. Sounds in the
feature the renowned English National Orchestra
Grounds is included in the price of a grounds entry
with Jae Alexander at the helm, star soloists John
ticket.
Hudson and Janet Mooney and an aerobatic
display by an original World War II Spitfire,
dramatically choreographed with split-second
timing.
This year’s concert will also feature the charttopping male vocal harmony group The Overtones,
plus a very special performance by the Military
Wives Choir, from Catterick Garrison. And that’s
www.castlehoward.co.uk
Katie Pryor, Events Manager
Page 7
Castle Howard Newsletter - Late Summer 2013
TIME TO EXPLORE
installed, Richard Leonard of AD Bell marked out
the walks with temporary posts. Unfortunately,
within a few weeks many of the posts had been
uprooted and strewn about the wood. On further
investigation Richard discovered that the wood’s
furry residents had been very curious – and teeth
marks in the posts proved him right. The temporary
posts were put back up and then subsequently
Follow the new signage
to enjoy seasonal
woodland walks
The three-year restoration in Ray Wood
overseen by the Yorkshire Arboretum (previously
Castle Howard Arboretum Trust) is nearly
complete. The volunteers’ hard work has made the
wood easier to navigate without losing the charm of
its serpentine paths, monuments and of course its
magnificent plants and trees.
When the pathways were cleared, Jan Hoyland
(then curator at the Castle Howard Arboretum
Trust) created seasonal walks for spring, summer
and autumn. Each walk takes around 25 minutes
and makes the most of the plants flowering in each
season.
Once the routes were set out, new signage was
needed to orientate visitors. The signs had to
complement the environment and be visible without
being intrusive. In consultation with signage
providers AD Bell, it was decided to use solid oak
frames and directional posts with designer Den
Stubbs redesigning the maps at each entrance in
more sympathetic colours. We used the symbols of
a leaf (spring), flower (summer), and acorn
(autumn) as indicators on the posts for each route.
replaced by the much more durable permanent
markers.
Den Stubbs has designed the illustrated Ray
Wood booklet which contains a brief history of the
wood and the seasonal
walks and maps. The
booklet is written by Jan
Hoyland and contains
some glorious photographs
by Mike Kipling. This is
now available for sale at
the Ticket Office,
Bookshop, House Desk
and House Gift Shop at £2
(or free to Annual Pass holders).
We are currently working on some smart
information panels which will explain the site of the
ruined Temple of Venus, tell the story of the long
lost follies and reveal the workings of the 18thcentury reservoir. New rustic benches using wood
from the estate are also planned. We hope that in
the future a route accessible for wheelchairs can be
created too.
Ray Wood has always been an enchanting place
to spend time – but this summer and autumn you
can do so without worrying about getting lost!
Before the permanent directional posts were
www.castlehoward.co.uk
Hannah Jones,
Visitor Services Manager
Castle Howard Newsletter - Late Summer 2013
WONDERPHIL
WEDNESDAYS!
Page 8
MAUSOLEUM TOUR
Phil Grainger aka WonderPhil, whom you may
know as Father Christmas' helper from our Fireside
Audience with Father Christmas, also runs
Gobbledigook Theatre, a theatre company
producing in York and surrounding areas. He has
created two new shows for Castle Howard this
summer.
A moving magic show; taking you through the
stunning and magical grounds of Castle Howard
and Promenade theatre; bright-eyed storytelling
with WonderPhil acting as your guide and narrator,
introducing you to other characters on the way!
Shows will take place every Wednesday throughout
the summer so you have plenty of time to catch
both! No need to book – they are there for you to
enjoy at your leisure, and included in your grounds
entry.
Katie Pryor, Events Manager
If you are a Castle Howard Annual Pass holder
you are invited to apply for a place on the exclusive
Mausoleum Tour taking place on Saturday 5th
October.
Exclusive to Annual Pass holders, visit the most
mysterious and imposing building in the Castle
Howard landscape where generations of the
Howard family are buried in the vaults beneath the
spectacular chapel. The tour involves walking
across uneven terrain and lasts between 2 and 2.5
hours, so sensible footwear is a must.
Numbers are limited, therefore Annual Pass
holders are invited to apply for a place by Friday
20th September. Successful applicants will be
drawn and notified by Friday 27th September.
You can apply via post, email
[email protected] or telephone
Magical WonderPhil
01653 648621.
Nicole Hingley, Visitor Services
NOW STOCKING LOCAL
ORGANIC VEG
Our new selection of local organic vegetables are proving
popular. Supplied by Newfield Farm at Fadmoor, on the North
York Moors, current stocks include fennel, kohlrabi and curly
kale. Why not pop in and see what’s on offer and try out the
recipe opposite.
www.castlehoward.co.uk
Page 9
Castle Howard Newsletter—Late Summer 2013
SUMMERTIME AND
THE LIVING IS EASY
Whatever the occasion, the Castle Howard
Farm Shop has some wonderful summer tipples, all
locally produced with care, attention to detail and
pride in their Yorkshire heritage.
As well as the renowned Ampleforth Abbey,
which supplies beers and ciders to the Farm Shop,
Vineyards have been producing award-winning
we are supplied by local brewers Cropton Brewery
wines since 2009 from the south-facing slopes at
from Pickering and Wold Top from Wold Newton.
the foot of the Yorkshire Wolds. Run by husband
Local producer Sloe Motion; a small, family-
and wife team Stuart and Elizabeth Smith, their
run business from Barton-le-Willows, supplies sloe
sought-after wines are on sale in the Farm Shop.
gin, vodka, brandy and chocolate treats. Sloe
We’d recommend ‘A Taste of Paradise’, a sparkling
Motion continues to lead the field with great
rosé and the perfect fizz for a summer’s evening.
products and their most recent addition, the No. 7,
Yorkshire Country Wines, based at Stockton on
has been hailed as ‘Yorkshire’s answer to Pimms,
the Forest, produce a range of traditional wines
only better’. Already a firm favourite, this summer
including damson and rhubarb. Why not try their
cup has a hint of summer fruit, fresh herbs and is
elderflower wine; they use elderflowers which are
amazing served with good-quality lemonade, ice
picked on the Castle Howard Estate each year in
and a sprig of mint.
June.
Ryedale Vineyards, only eight miles from
Cheers!
Castle Howard, is England’s most northerly
Jane Deri, Farm Shop Manager
commercial vineyard. Planted in 2006 Ryedale
A QUICK SUMMER SUPPER: SPANISH
OMELETTE
Peel a large potato and slice very thinly. Fry in a heavy ovenproof pan in
enough olive oil to cover the potato. When soft pour off the excess oil and lift
out the potatoes. Meanwhile blanch 3 - 4 handfuls of washed spinach. When
wilted take off the heat and drain off the excess water.
Crush one clove of garlic and add to the potato pan with a chopped onion.
Cook on a medium heat for 2 minutes or until soft. Add the blanched spinach
and potato and cook until warmed through.
Add 6 beaten eggs (seasoned with salt/black pepper/herbs) and cook gently
for 2 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese. Continue to cook through gently or for
best results transfer to the oven to brown off.
www.castlehoward.co.uk
Castle Howard Newsletter - Late Summer 2013
CHILLS & THRILLS
AT HALLOWEEN
Autumn Preview
Page 10
wizards, ghosts and ghouls, as well as owls, toads,
snakes and creepy crawlies. Keep your eye out for
the headless horseman who is sure to be hiding
among the trees! Spooky stories will be told in the
South East Wing which, untouched since the fire in
1940, provides a suitably spooky backdrop. You
may not even recognise yourself in the hall of
mirrors, especially if you get your face painted by
one of our professional ‘terror’ face painters. Stiltwalkers, fire-eaters and our very own Geoffrey the
Dragon Tamer (aka Geoffrey the Lion) will be on
hand to protect you from the spooks.
The Castle Howard pumpkin carving team will
be busy in the week leading up to the event,
ensuring the grounds are lit up with ghoulish
pumpkins. You are also invited to bring along your
own and there will be a prize for the scariest! We’ll
Atkinson Action Horses in action!
also be giving a prize for the best Halloween
Between the end of the busy summer holidays
and the madness of Christmas, I am usually busy at
costume so dust off your witches hat.
The grand finale will be a spectacular 40-
my desk booking acts and entertainers for the
minute display of horsemanship by Atkinson Action
forthcoming season. This year, however, I have
Horses. Their Horses of Halloween stunt riding
decided to set myself an additional challenge!
show features knights, minions, a unicorn, fire,
Since I started working at Castle Howard
almost three years ago I’ve been keen to get a
pyrotechnics and some breathtaking stunts.
Tickets must be pre-booked with all activities
Halloween event into the calendar. So I am very
included in the price. Tickets are on sale now:
excited to announce our own Halloween
Adults £15; Concessions (U16/senior/students) £10.
Katie Pryor, Events Manager
spectacular, ‘Chills & Thrills’ on Wednesday 30th
October. I know it’s not actually on Halloween, but
I don’t want people to miss out on trick or treating
– so why not have the best of both worlds?
‘Chills & Thrills’ will be exciting, fun and
HO, HO, HO...
A date for your diary - tickets for our popular
Audience with Father Christmas will go on sale
family friendly. The last thing we want to do is
Monday 23rd September. Available online only at
frighten people away!
www.castlehoward.co.uk
The event will take place in the early evening,
when the South Front will be transformed into a
Register for our E-news, or follow us on
Facebook or Twitter to receive updates.
spooky wonderland where you can meet witches,
www.castlehoward.co.uk
Page 11
Castle Howard Newsletter—Late Summer 2013
WELCOME
WEDDING BELLE
Emma Tomlinson joined the Accounts team in
June, to work on the sales ledger activities. Emma
has recently moved to Yorkshire from Derbyshire.
Naomi Newton left the Farm Shop to join the
Estate Office team to work alongside Fay Walls and
Ed Bland. While Patrick Donaghy joined the Farm
Shop butchery team.
Finally at the end of July we welcomed Hannah
Cooke as Press & Communications Manager, and
Heather Jones as Business Development Manager to
the Marketing team.
Jane Glynn, HR Manager
A FOND FAREWELL
Sarah Buckroyd of
There was cause to celebrate indeed, when
Anna Louise Mason, Assistant Curator, and
Gardener Karl Scarboro tied the knot at
the Estate Office left
Coneysthorpe Chapel on Saturday 22nd June.
her post in July, having
Anna Louise, who is originally from Glasgow,
worked and (in her
has worked at Castle Howard for nearly four years,
own words) ‘played’ at
and Karl, who hails from York, for nearly two
Castle Howard for
years. They met in 2011 at the staff Christmas
over 20 years.
party, and Karl took Anna Louise out for coffee the
Sarah reminisced
about her time at Castle Howard: “I have many
unique memories here; Mr and Mrs Simon
Howard’s wedding, the birth of Merlin and
Octavia, working with John Craven on One Man
& His Dog, and Garry Barlow on his Christmas
Special – filmed in July!
“Above all the special places, occasions and
events, it is the past and present people on the
estate, who form a unique fraternity, that I have
cherished most and thank for their friendship, fun,
and support over the years.”
Sarah is moving on to set up home near Bedale
with her partner Richard and their five children.
following day at the Courtyard Café. So smitten
was he that he drove to Glasgow during the
Christmas holiday to see her, and met her off the
train at York station on her return.
Music at the wedding was provided by a nineyear-old bagpiper, the son of Anna Louise’s best
friend, and by a small group of brass players made
up of members of the Shepherd Group Brass Band
and Karl’s family.
The couple honeymooned in Pittenweem, a
picturesque fishing village on the Fife coast. Anna
Louise said: “It was lovely and included lots of trips
to historic houses and gardens!”
www.castlehoward.co.uk
Castle Howard Newsletter - Late Summer 2013
Page 12
WHAT’S ON
The following events will take place between
August and October. Visit our website
www.castlehoward.co.uk for more details.
Tuesday 10th September
Craft & Produce Market in the Courtyard
10am to 4pm – admission free.
Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th September
Wild About Wood festival at the Yorkshire
Arboretum – www.wildaboutwood.org
Friday 4th October
Photography Course - An Introduction to
Landscape with Chris Ceaser
Saturday 5th October
Annual Pass Holder Mausoleum Tour
See Page 8
Wednesday 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th August
WonderPhil Wednesdays! See page 8
Tuesday 13th August
Craft & Produce Market in the Courtyard
10am to 4pm – admission free.
Saturday 17th August
The Great British Proms Spectacular
with special guests The Overtones & The Military
Wives. See page 6
Sunday 18th August
Noughties Popfest with Minster FM
The biggest pop concert of the summer! See page 6
Tuesday 20th August
Craft & Produce Market in the Courtyard
10am to 4pm – admission free.
Friday 23rd August
Photography Course - An Introduction to
Landscape with Chris Ceaser
Saturday 24th August
Sounds in the Grounds with Minster FM
A one day family music festival. See page 6
Saturday 24th August to Monday 26th August
Meet Geoffrey the Lion!
Fun for children with Geoffrey our friendly mascot.
Tuesday 8th October
Craft & Produce Market in the Courtyard
10am to 4pm – admission free.
Friday 11th October
From Bach to Bond - Charity piano recital with
Emmanual Vass
Sunday 20th and Wednesday 23rd October
Annual Pass Holder Open Day at the Yorkshire
Arboretum
Annual Pass Holders are invited to visit free of
charge and discover more about the arboretum.
Don’t forget to take your Annual Pass card with
you. Open from 10am– 6pm on Sunday and 4pm
on Wednesday. Visit www.yorkshirearboretum.org
for visitor information.
Wednesday 30th October NEW
'Chills & Thrills' Family Halloween Spectacular.
See page 10
October - date and time to follow
Eat Yourself Young - talk with Elizabeth PeytonJones (www.epjheath.com)
Join celebrity naturopath and food & health expert
and discover how what you eat is fundamental to
the way you look and feel. Visit our website for
more details.
REMEMBER TO FOLLOW US
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www.twitter.com/CastleHowardEst
Editor: Hannah Cooke, Castle Howard Estate Ltd, York YO60 7DA
Telephone: 01653 648647, Email: [email protected]