Tabley goes to Towneley!
On 16th June, a coach will whisk them off explore the delights of Towneley Museum and Art Gallery. This was the home of the Towneley family for over 600 years and contains fine period rooms, an Art Gallery and a local history museum. The Friends will be given a guided tour of the house, after which they will be able to explore the formal gardens, a sculpture trail and woodland walks.
“It should be a really interesting and informative day, with so much to see” said Nick Payne, Chairman of the Friends. “Everyone is welcome to join us – please phone Pat Sheppard on 01625 861 533 for tickets”. These cost £27 and include lunch at the Hall and coffee on arrival.
“We’re then hoping to round off the first half of the year with a sparkle!” he added. “We’re repeating our ‘Summer evening of Songs, Strawberries and Sparkle’ which was such a hit last year.”
On 8th July, the Cheshire choir, Consort, will sing some delightfully varied music, from Elizabethan madrigals to Gershwin, Gospel and much in between. The concert will take place in the lovely setting of Tabley House’s showpiece room, the Gallery. In the interval, there will be a glass of lovely bubbly and some strawberries for the audience to enjoy (and for the choir afterwards!).
“Last year, we had glorious weather and everyone took their glasses out on to the balcony to admire the view” said Mr Payne. “Let’s hope it’s the same this year!”
A little information about Tabley House and The Friends..
Tabley House is one of the finest 18th century houses in Cheshire, built for the Leicester family by John Carr in 1767. It is Grade I listed and houses a famous collection of furniture by Chippendale, Gillow and Bullock and paintings by JMW Turner, Lawrence, Dobson, Devis and others.
Although owned by Manchester University, the House is not supported by the Government, the National Trust or any other national body. The Friends raise funds for the restoration and refurbishment of the rooms and contents of this irreplaceable country house.
They have funded the redecoration of the grand entrance Hall, the restoration of the original 18thcentury Hall Lantern hanging there and the re-gilding of all the gilt strips and picture hangings (the “Lion Heads”) in the stunningly beautiful Gallery. Their latest project, costing £30,000, was the complete redecoration of the main Dining Room in its original style
The Friends run a programme of events including lectures, concerts and visits to other interesting Country Houses, many of which are not open to the public. Membership costs £15.00 a year (£25 double, £4 for students). The House is open from April to October in the afternoons from Thursday to Sunday and on Bank Holidays.
The House is 1½ miles from Knutsford on the Northwich Road. Tel 01565 750 151. Entrance is £4.00 (Children/Students £1.50)
Photocredit: © Craig Thornber www.thornber.co.uk & www.thornber.net/cheshire/htmlfiles/tabley.html
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