Pantaloons outdoor theatre

About 15 years ago (...doesn't time fly), I was working in an advertising agency called "Ogilvy Primary Contact" which was (and still is) part of Ogilvy & Mather Worlwide. My then boss - the inspirational Ian Story - invited his daughter Cait, for work experience.

Today, Cait and her husband, Mark, run Pantaloons which is a theatre company. 

We first went to see them at Nonsuch Park, near Epsom. That day there were about a dozen people in the audience...not helped by some truly awful weather. Since then, we have been to see them perform most years as they tour the country with their productions.

We've seen the unique Pantaloons' spin on Canterbury Tales, Twelfth Night, Romeo & Juliet, Christmas Carol, Importance of Being Earnest and many, many others. All have been hilarious and it is so pleasing to see Pantaloons becoming so popular.

As soon as I had settled in at Mottisfont, one of the first things I did, was suggest that we booked Pantaloons. And I'm so glad we did, as they came and performed their version of Sherlock Holmes. This year they performed at both of our outdoor theatre nights - Much Ado About Nothing, which was a sell out - and History of Britain on Saturday. 

With the crowd sitting on our front lawn - some incredible picnics - Mottisfont made a great backdrop to a superb production, which got more raucous as the night went on. It was dark by the time the show had finished and we laughed all the way home too.

Great stuff Pantaloons and we look forward to welcoming you back next year, with Tempest and Pride & Prejudice. Can't wait! 

Outdoor guides in the Mottisfont countryside

As a "thank you" for all the time our outdoor guides put in, our countryside team hosted a summer barbecue at the Oakley Beet fishing hut, followed by a talk and a walk.

Following a few burgers, Dylan Everett, Countryside Manager, gave an "inspirational" talk about all the great stuff we're doing in the countryside and along the river. Not a bad setting either by the fishing hut where FM Halford perfected the art of dry fly fishing:

And off we went on a walk, whilst Neil Swift (Riverkeeper), Mike Handley (Ranger), and Ryan Scott (Ranger) helped the others clear up:

...once they'd finished the obligatory cuppa, of course (....at least they told me it was tea! They don't look at all suspicious, do they?)

Ryan took us on a stroll to see some of the Mottisfont woodland where his team of volunteers have been particularly busy clearing and creating an enclosure to grow hazel:

Unfortunately, this area of ancient woodland was cleared in the 1980s to grow spruce, which was a shame, but the grand scheme is to return native broadleaf species to the area and in about 300 years, we should be back to where we were when the woodland was at its best! Still, if we don't start now!

On the way, we stopped to take in the 1,000 year old Oakley Oak. A splendid old tree:

Thankfully nobody chopped that one down.....although it was earmarked for timber for the Tudor fleet at one time.

So, "thank you" outdoor guides from me. I'm joining you again on Bank Holiday Monday for the wetland walk. Looking at the weather forecast, it will probably live up to its name too! Not to worry, the enthusiasm of our guides will more than make up for a spot of rain.

Gruck racing

This is in the "you couldn't make if up" category of blogs that I'll ever write. This evening was the annual Mottisfont Gruck Racing event. 

Now, if you're wondering what a "Gruck" is, then I'd like to know just where you have been all this time! Actually, I didn't have a clue either. When I suggested that is was just a plastic duck race or Pooh sticks for adults, I received some very indignant looks...it's a much more serious business than that!

The event itself is to raise money for Mottisfont Football Club (established 1926) and a nominated charity. After a gap of one season, Mottisfont FC returned last season and won promotion at the first time of asking. We were delighted to be able to support the team in some small ways.

Back at the event, everyone gathered by the Abbey stream for the races. Grucks are in fact large ducks, with a wooden float for stability that makes them go faster. There are about 10 races and bets are placed on the Grucks. Then the Grucks are placed in the starting gate:

...and they're off.

The Grucks speed down the stream (...a slight exaggeration), and along to the winning post, where they are plucked out.

And to much excitement, a winner is announced. I wouldn't say there were many photo finishes, but it's brilliant fun nevertheless. 

There was a great turnout from the village. Those who volunteer to set this up, run it, man the barbecue and clear away did a fantastic job. The football club really couldn't survive without the much needed funds generated, so "Let's hear it for the Grucks" is what I say and long may this traditional race continue. I managed to end the evening as dry as when I turned up, which was as much a surprise to me as anyone else!

Make a wild change

Earlier today I went along to Hampshire and Isle of Wight's launch of "Making a Wild Change" initiative. It links very closely to David Bond's "Project Wild Thing" and National Trust's ""50 Things to do before you're 11 3/4s." 

All of these initiatives are about getting children outside and closer to nature. The Hants & IoW Trust asked Chris Packham to introduce the session. 

After a quick look in the dipping pond, Chris spoke with his usual enthusiasm and good humour on a subject he clearly feels strongly about.

He talked about children as a species that needs "reintroducing" to the countryside, as something that has almost become extinct. Clearly, exaggerating to make the point, Chris' serious point was about being outside as something that is essential for good mental, physical and social health. As more and more children stay inside, sat in front of various screens, he stressed how they need to be out there, touching, feeling nature. 

In terms of countryside and species understanding, Britain is the best mapped country in the world. However, if young people don't get interested in nature, how will we continue to understand and appreciate it? And if nobody understands and appreciates our countryside, who will look after it in future? 

Instant gratification seems to be the name of the game these days for children...and some adults too. But what's wrong with getting freezing cold and not seeing the wildlife you come to see? The anticipation is always exciting and when you do finally see that stunning view or that remarkable creature, it is all the more rewarding.

Parents might have to go with their children these days, but should be encouraged to hang back and let them explore for themselves, getting muddy or stung....nobody ever died from a stinging nettle rash!

Debbie Tann - CEO of Hants & IoW Wildlife Trust - introduced their new video, which shows some of the remarkable work they do in this area. Everything from nature clubs to wild play events and forest schools. Fantastic stuff.

The video ended with a few anecdotes from the children who go to these events and some of the wildlife education professionals at the trust. Their Education Officer spoke about "elective mutes," who are children that don't speak at school. One little girl had not spoken in front of her teacher for 2 years, but at forest school spoke as well as any other child from the moment she arrived....just because she was outside. The little girl concerned went onto become a Head Girl at school. 

National Trust supporter groups

One of the many things I'd failed to understand before joining National Trust was the important role of the supporter groups. These groups - often called National Trust Centres and Associations - are members of National Trust who get together to organise talks, social events, trips, holidays and all sorts of other interesting things for their members.

Run by a committee of volunteers, they provide a vital social function, bringing together local National Trust members and offering a range of activities for them to get involved with, which are always great fun.

Mottisfont is very lucky to have the support of a number of groups locally who we have built a wonderful and productive relationship with. These include Winchester Association, Christchurch and New Forest Association, Portsmouth Centre, Southampton Centre and Reading Centre.

We've built the relationship by supporting them with recruitment events, hosting special visits, providing speakers for talks, advertising to raise their profile, and even providing the odd editor for their newsletters (...I'm not sure if Steve will mind me calling him "odd!")

And the other thing the supporter groups provide is funding for our restoration and conservation work. Any surplus funds from trips, talks and holidays is donated to a property for a particular project or item. I cannot understate the value of these donations nor how much they are appreciated by staff, volunteers and visitors.

In the past, Mottisfont has received donations for our courtyard gates, restoration of the lead finial in the yew octagon, restoration and marbling of the bookcase in the boys' room, disabled buggy, funds to go towards our walled garden appeal, charcoal kilns for our countryside team, restoration of the maids' rooms, interpretation for the cellarium...and I could go on.

The latest kind donation will see the restoration of our 200 year old marble benches:

...back to their original home:

And also the restoration of the roll-top desk, which was donated by the Russell family recently (donor family of Mottisfont to the National Trust) and part of the original collection in the house:

It will be so great seeing this table returned to Mottisfont. And a very big "THANK you" to our friends at our local supporter groups!