Hampshire Cuttings
GARDENERS CUTTINGS
a look at news, events and happenings in Hampshire
Christmas events at National Trust properties in Hampshire
Christmas craft workshops, festive activities for families and children, and carol singing at atmospheric, historic country mansions, as some National Trust properties in Hampshire open their doors in the run up to Christmas.
The Vyne – scene of hectic pre Christmas events
The elegant 18th century mansion high up on the South Downs,
Uppark House, near South Harting, will be decorated for Christmas and open from Saturday 4th – 16th December, between 11am and 3pm, except for Fridays and other Saturdays, with the shop open for gifts and the restaurant offering Christmas lunch and other light lunches.
On Saturday 4th December and Sunday 12th December there are special Christmas craft activities starting at 11am, and a chance to visit Father Christmas.
Chichester University Choir will be performing carols at Uppark on 15th and 16th December, and also on 21st December, all performances starting at 6.30pm. Enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie to get into the festive mood.
The Vyne near Basingstoke gets into the Christmas mood with the historic house decorated with Christmas garlands. Start off with a walk through the beautiful grounds then warm up with festive food and drinks beside the fire in the stunning Tudor Brewhouse. Afterwards, browse for Christmas gifts in the Coach House shop.
‘A Country House Christmas’ is on Saturday 4th December and continues until Wednesday 15th December from 11am until 3pm, with no additional charges. The house is closed on 9th and 10th December.
On Saturday 11th December join the Daneshill Chamber Choir as they perform traditional Christmas carols against the stunning backdrop of the Palladian Staircase Hall. The choir will be performing twice from 2pm, each set lasting for 25 minutes, and the event is free of charge.
There are festive craft workshops starting at the end of November and going into December for children and adults to learn to make gifts and decorations with a difference.
‘Kids Christmas Crafts’ workshop is on Saturday 20th November at 2pm, where young visitors can make a cracker and gift to go inside, some festive decorated biscuits and a small decorated garland to make and take home.
On 25th and 26th November there are workshops showing how to make felt corsages and Christmas felt baubles. ‘Swags and Wreaths’, Christmas workshops with lunch, will take place on 2nd, 3rd and 9th December, and booking for tickets is essential.
For more details on these events and to book tickets where needed, go to the website at
www.nationaltrust.org.uk or contact the individual properties. For Uppark, ring 01730 825857 (Infoline), or 01730 825415, email:
uppark@nationaltrust.org.uk
For The Vyne, ring 01256 883858 or email:
thevyne@nationaltrust.org.uk
Santa’s train leaves in November and December
Children visiting Plowmans Garden Centre at West Parley, near Ferndown, in the next few weeks can take a ride on Santa’s Special Train and visit him in Wonderland. They can also take part in a colouring competition which could win the family a meal for four at the garden centre’s restaurant.
Santa’s train travels between 27th November and 24th December from noon until 4pm on weekdays, 10am until 4pm at weekends. From Saturday 18th December the garden centre is open every day.
Visitors will be able to pick up a copy of the leaflet for the colouring competition. Entries must be returned to the garden centre by 20th December and the winners will be notified by 23rd December. There are two categories, for the under fives and the under 10 age groups.
The winners’ families will be able to enjoy a meal for four at the Plowmans Restaurant, with gifts of a teddy bear for girls and a remote controlled car for boys.
For more details contact Plowmans Garden Centre, 392 Christchurch Road, West Parley, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 8SW, on 01202 582169.
Exbury gardener off plant hunting
One of Hampshire’s top gardeners is heading to the mountains of India to take part in an arduous plant- hunting expedition. John Anderson, head gardener at Exbury Gardens, near Beaulieu, will climb several thousand metres to collect material hardy enough to survive European winters.
The three-week expedition is being funded by the charitable trust that runs the award-winning gardens.
NEXT ISSUE: Look out for the new season 2011 Country Gardener in mid February Country Gardener
3
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56