Newsletter No 81 November - February 2017/18

View towards Ilam

Drawing by Ken Jones

South East Staffordshire

Association of

National Trust Members

OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Chairman Mrs Pamela McKniff

Orchard House, Francis Lane, Newton Burgoland, LE67 2SD Tel: 01530 272756 Mobile: 0795 855 1488

Secretary Mrs Glennys Maw

2 Mawgan Drive, Lichfield, WS14 9SD Tel: 01543 411317

Treasurer Mr John Hodgson 36 Hartslade, Lichfield, WS14 9RH Tel: 01543 253149 Mobile:0797 467 4078

Membership Mrs Rosemary Tole Secretary 38 Longbridge Road, Lichfield, WS14 9EN Tel: 01543 263981 Mobile: 0797 340 4424

Bookings Mrs Angela Antcliffe Secretary 20 Gaialands Crescent, Lichfield, WS13 7LU

Tel: 01543 256478

Speaker Mr Gordon Cooper Secretary 25 Moisty Lane, Marchington, Uttoxeter ST14 8JY

Tel: 01283 820531

Publicity Ms Susan Lupton

71 Birchwood Road, Lichfield, WS14 9UN Tel: 01543 416144

Programme Mr Brian Orme

Co-ordinator 72 Main Road, Austrey, Atherstone, Warks CV9 3EG & Editor Tel: 01827 830418

Website Mr Allan Antcliffe 20 Gaialands Crescent, Lichfield, WS13 7LU Tel: 01543 256478

Car Section Mr David Albutt Organisers 36 Walsall Road, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield, B74 4QR Tel 0121 308 8271

Mr John Sawbridge 24 Blakeman Way, Lichfield, WS13 8FH

Tel: 01543 263372 Mobile:0794 142 3275

Coach Mr John Sawbridge Visits 24 Blakeman Way, Lichfield, WS13 8FH

Tel: 01543 263372 Mobile:0794 142 3275

Mr Andrew & Mrs Glennys Maw

Short Walk Mr John Hodgson Organiser 36 Hartslade, Lichfield, WS14 9RH Tel: 01543 253149 Mobile:0797 467 4078

Long Walk Mr John Sawbridge Organiser 24 Blakeman Way, Lichfield, WS13 8FH

Tel: 01543 263372 Mobile:0794 142 3275

Web Site http://www.sesnationaltrust.btck.co.uk

MEMBERS ARE REQUESTED ONLY TO USE THEIR MOBILE PHONES TO CONTACT ORGANISERS IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION

Chairman’s Message October 2017

The National Trust has admitted that it has lost sight of one of its core founding principles, to protect wildlife. In its quest to maintain its country houses and estates wild life has unfortunately been pushed aside. When the Trust was founded in 1895 its formal purpose pledged to preserve animal and plant life for the nation as well as looking after places and buildings of beauty and historic interest. Nature has been squeezed out to the margins for too long and the Trust now wants to bring it back to the heart of the countryside. Nature has an incredible ability to revive and rejuvenate if given the conditions to thrive. Birds such as the cuckoo, lapwing, and curlew have virtually disappeared from our countryside and we want them to return to our fields, woods and meadows along with other wildlife. We need to encourage hedgehogs, water voles, butterflies and many other species that were once so common to return so our grandchildren and future generations can enjoy them. The Trust owns almost 250,000 hectares of land, more than 1% of land in the UK and cares for 775 miles of coastline so we are in a great position to help bring back some of our ancient habitat. Indeed, the Gt Orme now has a flock of 400 sheep to help naturalise the land again and tenant farmers are being encouraged by the Trust to introduce nature friendly measures on all its farmland. Arctic Tern numbers are soaring again after N.Trust rangers babysat fledging ducks for 4 months to make sure they were protected from high tides and predators. It is great to think that in time hopefully much of our now rare wildlife will return! Our winter programme is now in our newsletter. Gordon Cooper has some extremely interesting talks for us again and our winter walks have been well planned and organisers are ready to go! Allan and Angela Antcliffe have arranged a lovely visit to Lichfield Cathedral for us with refreshments at Darwin House and the Xmas Luncheon has a change of venue this year at Whittington Golf Club which I hope you will enjoy. I look forward to seeing many of you at these events. Take care and a Happy Hallowe’en Pam McKniff

Castern Hall, Tuesday,13th June

Set in a picturesque landscape in the Manifold Valley, the Hall has an elegant yet solid exterior. Inside, the house is light & airy. It has the feel of a family home with style & character, packed with furniture, paintings & objets d’art. We were treated to an interesting, informative & entertaining tour: a polished performance, by its owner, Charles Hurt, who clearly cherishes his home & its heritage. Arguably, this was trumped by the afternoon tea, which was a magnificent spread in terms of its quality & quantity. At the end of the afternoon the 37 members present were in no hurry to leave: a clear indication of their enjoyment of the visit. All in all I could not have wished for a better start as an organiser of car trips

Eyam Hall & Museum, 20th June Fewer members than usual set off in a “fully” functioning, air conditioned coach to visit the hall, museum and the ‘plague village’ itself. The last part of the journey took us through some beautiful Peak District countryside. On our arrival we were served with refreshments and divided into two groups, one to wander around the small but beautifully formed gardens, and the other to have a guided tour around the house. The Jacobean hall was built by Thomas Wright in 1672 and has remained in the Wright family since then. We learned from the well informed husband and wife team of guides that the N.T. were invoking a clause in the lease agreement to return it to the family in the near future. With its homely feel the hall contained a wealth of lovely furniture, including two 17th century bacon (curing) settles, tapestries and various family and other portraits. Time was available to wander through the village and see the effects the plague of 1665 had, and why it remained confined to Eyam. The death toll was high and most families were affected. Individual houses had commemorative plaques. The final part of the day was spent in the museum where we saw a short video about the plague, Eyam’s residents part in the Great War and the industrial and agricultural heritage of the area. A quality end to the day. A different and more interesting route was taken by our driver to return us to Lichfield. Our thanks to him and also to John Sawbridge for organising and choosing the venue.

Allan Hayes

Grimesthorpe Castle, Park & Gardens, 12th July

A beautiful sunny day accompanied us on our trip to Grimesthorpe Castle. A personalised notice greeted us on arrival at the entrance. After refreshments we re-boarded the coach for a guided tour around the 3000 acre estate. Passing a herd of English Longhorn cattle we paused at the site of the Cistercian monastery which provided the stone to build the castle: completed in 18 months for the visit of Henry VIII & his considerable entourage. We saw the site of the rare English Gentian & passed through an ancient oak woodland, (some trees being 600 years old), where 7 of the 16 English bat species thrive. The estate is run as a not for profit charitable family trust. Its

income is derived mainly from tenanted farms & property, shooting & visitors. Our guide was highly informative, bringing humour & great knowledge to the tour. A brief period of free time for lunch & to discover the well-kept gardens & the myriad walks & vistas surrounding the house was taken before our guided tour of the house. The castle is still lived in by the family & had a lived in quality. It boasts a number of artefacts associated with the family’s hereditary office of Lord Great Chamberlain to the Palace of Westminster. A truly marvellous day, delightful weather & a welcoming, well organised & impressive place to visit. Our thanks to Andrew Maw (“the apprentice”) & John Sawbridge. Allan Hayes

Donington le Heath Manor House, Wednesday, 16th August

Not so much a stately home, more a yeoman’s manor house, but none the less interesting for that. Preserved very much as it would have appeared when the 13th century house was extended in the 1620’s & recently carefully restored to evoke the lives & times of its occupants 400 years ago. Similarly, the surrounding gardens have been authentically laid out with herbs, flowers, shrubs & trees which were grown for their medicinal or nutritional value in the 17th century. All of this was vividly brought to life by our enthusiastic & knowledgeable guides: Liz & Sue. The warm, sunny weather & afternoon tea added the final touches to a lovely afternoon for the 26 members present.

Lamport Hall & Gardens, Tuesday 22ND August

The final house visit of 2017 was to Lamport Hall in Northamptonshire. The weather promised much but delivered little although it remained dry. The Hall was owned by the Isham family for over 400 years. The 12th Baronet, Sir Gyles Isham formed the Lamport Hall Preservation Trust by whom it is administered to this day. The Hall, well known for its outstanding facade was developed from a Tudor Manor House and considerably altered over the centuries. The interior contains furniture, paintings (lots of Ishams), books and china: many of them collected by the 3rd Baronet on his Grand Tour. Years of poor maintenance created a serious dry rot problem which resulted in the Sir Gyles Isham, the last resident, to set up the Trust to set the restoration in motion. The gardens contain the 'gnomery', created by the eccentric 6th Baronet in the 19th century, amongst well-kept borders and lawns. The walled garden is given over to cut flowers. The outbuildings contained an interesting collection of historical farm and garden machinery, some of it with a local connection. We were well looked after by the Lamport staff, both in terms of guided tours and cream teas. A most enjoyable day. Our considerable thanks to those who organised the 2017 coach trips, particularly John Sawbridge. Allan Hayes .

A warm welcome to all our new members of the Association Yoxall Lichfield Mrs Redmond Miss Moreton Data Protection Act

A membership database is held by the Membership Secretary. The information contained includes name, address, telephone number and e-mail address. The information can only be accessed by the committee in connection with SESANTM business. Should any member object to the above

details being held on a database they should contact the Membership Secretary immediately

Short Walk Members in Barton under Needwood

Birmingham: Back to Backs by Derek Clarke

Birmingham City’s last remaining back to back houses, also known as Court 15, are now in the possession of the National Trust and are situated on the corner of Inge Street and Hurst Street in the centre of Birmingham and close to the Hippodrome Theatre. These types of houses which were built in the early nineteenth century were a particular form of terraced housing that surrounded a common courtyard and, in this case, a com-mon outside water tap. Each house was three floors tall with a single room on each floor. The courtyard was accessed through a tunnel between the houses. The Back to Backs were restored by the Birmingham Conservation Trust and opened to the public in July 2004 with Derek being the architect responsible for the project. He described the condition of the houses at the outset of the project: water entering through roof space, walls being too weak to support much weight and, in one case, walls being non-existent where a Jamaican gentleman had decided to knock through two supporting walls to enlarge his second-floor room. He also described the many finds that were made and how these were restored to their original condition and re-employed in the new construction. Each pair of houses shared a chimney stack with two chimneys and Derek told of his search for chimney pots to replace those that were missing. Surpris-ingly, people were happy to donate ones they had in their gardens complete with gera-nium plants. As attendance figures suggest, the Back to Backs have proved to be very popular and it is to Derek and his team that we owe a lot of that success. This was an extremely en-tertaining and informative talk as our near capacity audience would, I’m sure, agree.

Short Walk Members at Barton under Needwood

Long Walk Members enjoying the sun at Coombe Abbey

Programme of Events - November to February 2017/18

Walkers : Please remember to notify one of the Organisers if intending to join a walk

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FRIDAY 3rd November Long Walk Whitacre & Shustoke Circular 7.5 miles

Meet: In the car park of the Railway Inn, 30 Station Rd Whitacre Heath B46 2EH

Map Ref SP 220928, Tel 01675 467499

Lunch: Meals will need to be ordered in advance. Menu to be circulated &

choices indicated nearer to time of booking walk. Please let me know

our meal choice when you book on to the walk.

Terrain: Mix of footpaths & tracks and a little bit of road. Generally flat. Some stiles

Time: 10am. Charge: £1 members & £2 non-members

Organiser: Mike Tunney Tel 01827 53977 Email mjt374@btinternet.com

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TUESDAY 7th November Lichfield Cathedral Treasures - A Guided Tour Join us for a group tour of the treasures of Lichfield Cathedral. The tour provides a brief introduction to the Cathedral and then a specially trained guide will provide an in-depth insight into the Cathedral silver and vestments held in the Consistory Court. The tour will take between 60 to 90 minutes and it is worth noting that these items are not generally available for viewing to the general public. Tea/Coffee and cake will be provided at Darwin House afterwards. Because of the limited space in the Consistory Court, the tour is limited to a maximum of 20 persons. If demand warrants I will look into possibility of the tour being made in two groups Meet: 1.45pm for 2.00pm start at Lichfield Cathedral Charge: £12.00 for members; £13.00 for non members Organiser: Allan Antcliffe Tel: 07807147572 e-mail: allan.antcliffe@hotmail.co.uk

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THURSDAY 9th November Short Walk Dale Abbey 5.0 miles Meet: In car park of Carpenters Arms, Moor Lane, Dale Abbey, Derby. DE7 4PP, Tel 0115 9325277. www.carpentersarmsdaleabbey.co.uk Lunch: At Carpenters Arms after walk. Numbers and meal choices by Sat 4th

November please. See menu online Terrain: Mainly good footpaths. Undulating with a few styles. Some interesting features. Time: 10am. Charges. £1 members. £2. Non Members Organiser: Jackie Stabler Tel 01827 68382. Mob 07930449797.

Email jackiestabler@hotmail.com ——————————————————————————————————————— WEDNESDAY 15th November Talk by Margaret George

Subject: Chartley Castle and the Manorial Village of Stowe Margaret will talk about the history of Chartley Castle and its related earthworks, including the important manorial village of Stowe. Primarily she will be looking at the earthworks that make up this once busy site with supporting documentary sources. This will include the local ruling elite and landowners of the site from the Ferrers and their marriage with the Devereux family. She will also talk about the major characters who stayed at Chartley Hall namely

Mary, Queen of Scots whose plot to overthrow Elizabeth I was uncovered there and the 2nd Earl of Essex, a favourite of Queen Elizabeth who also met an untimely end. Ending with Lawrence Ferrers' final trip to the gallows on his conviction of murder. Venue: Guildhall, Lichfield Time: 7.30 pm Charge: £2.00 members £4.00 non-members

Organiser: Gordon Cooper Tel: 01283 820531 ———————————————————————————————————————

FRIDAY 1st December Long Walk Blithbury 8.0 miles Meet: In the car park at the Bull & Spectacles, Blithbury Tel: 01889 504201 Map Ref: SK 082200 Directions: On B5014 at the cross roads in Blithbury . Lunch: At the Bull & Spectacles Inn. Meals can be ordered on the day of the walk prior to starting. Terrain: Mix of footpaths & quiet lanes. Generally fairly flat with only a few stiles. Time: 10am. Charge: £1 members & £2 non-members Organiser: John Sawbridge Tel: 01543 263372

Email: johnsawbridge1@ntlworld.com

——————————————————————————————————————— SUNDAY 3rd December Christmas Lunch Venue: Whittington Heath Golf Club, Lichfield Time: 12.30pm for 1.00pm Charge: £18.00 members, £19.00 non-members Organiser: Pam McKniff Please send your remittance and Menu details to: Angela Antcliffe ,20 Gaialands Crescent, Lichfield, WS13 7LU and I will acknowledge receipt.

Closing date for bookings: 15th November 2017

——————————————————————————————————————— THURSDAY 14th December Cannock Chase Circular 5.0 Miles Barbara Anderson Memorial Walk Meet: Katyn Memorial Car Park Map Ref: SK 98166 Explorer Map 244 Lunch: After walk at Springslade Lodge Café. (adjacent to Katyn Memorial) For details see separate e-mail sent out Short Walking Group. If you don’t

get one contact J.Hodgson Terrain: Mainly flat with a few slopes. Could be muddy if wet Time: 10am Charge £1.00 members £2.00 non members Organiser: John Hodgson Tel 01543-253149 or Mobile 07 974 674 078 e-mail: john.jenhodgson@tiscali.co.uk ————————————————————————————————–——-————

FRIDAY 5th January 2018 Long Walk Barston 8.5 miles Meet: In the car park at the Bulls Head, Barston Lane, Barston, Solihull, B92 0JU Tel: 01675 442830 Map Ref SP207780 Directions: Exit M42 at junction 5 & take A41 towards Knowle. Turn left on lane signposted Barston. Lunch: At the Bulls Head Inn. The menu can be viewed on

www.thebullsheadbarston.co.uk. Meals can be ordered on the day of the walk prior to starting. Terrain: Mix of footpaths, canal towpath & quiet lanes. Generally fairly flat with only 1 or 2 stiles . Time: 10am. Charge: £1 members & £2 non-members

Organiser: John Sawbridge Tel: 01543 263372

Email: johnsawbridge1@ntlworld.com

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THURSDAY 11th January, Short walk Calke Abbey 4-5miles

Meet: In the main car park at Calke Park. [Sat Nav DE73 7JF]. Calke is reached either via A514 from Tollgate Island, Woodville or via B5006 from Ashby to Ticknall. In Ticknall High Street turn right in to Calke Abbey just before the bridge. National Trust membership cards will be required for free entry to the park.

Lunch: At the Wheel Inn in Ticknall. Please give one week’s notice if lunch is

required. Terrain: Easy walking on hard surfaced paths with some field walking and one moderate ascent. Time: 10.00 am Charge £1.00 members £2.00 non-members Organiser: Bob Woolgrove Tel: 01530 416275 Email: a.woolgrove45@gmail.com ———————————————————————————————————————

WEDNESDAY 17th January Talk by Dr Mike Hodder Subject: Wall Roman Site The Roman site at Wall (Letocetum), Staffordshire. Wall originated as a series of 1st century Roman forts on a hilltop overlooking Watling Street. A small town which developed outside the forts included a bath house and mansion or inn (the excavated remains of these are owned by the National Trust and managed by English Heritage). At the end of the 3rd century a walled enclosure or burgus was built astride Watling

Street. Excavations along the line of the M6 Toll motorway revealed a Roman cemetery and a pottery kiln. The Talk will describe the Roman sites in and around Wall in the context of the Roman West Midlands, Wall before and after the Romans, interpretation and display of the site and finds, and some questions for future research.

Dr Mike Hodder, who is originally from Sutton Coldfield, dug at Wall when he was a schoolboy in the 1970s and he regards it as a formative site in his professional archaeological career. After study and research at the University of Birmingham he became Sandwell Council's archaeologist and subsequently Birmingham City Council's archaeologist when he was again involved with Wall as part of archaeological work before construction of the M6 Toll motorway. Following retirement, he undertakes some consultancy alongside voluntary archaeological work which includes membership of the National Trust group 'Friends of Letocetum' who man Wall museum and promote the site.

Venue: Guildhall, Lichfield Time: 7.30 pm

Charge: £2.00 members £4.00 non members

Organiser: Gordon Cooper Tel: 01283 820531 ——————————————————————————————————————— FRIDAY 2nd February Long Walk. National Forest. 8.0 Miles Meet: Car Park of The Horseshoe Inn, Tatenhill. DE13 9SD Tel. 01283 564913 Lunch: After walk at the Horseshoe Inn. Menu is on their website www.horseshoeinnburtonupontrent.co.uk Please book onto the walk by Monday 29th January 2018, with menu choices. Terrain: Mainly field paths with some canalside paths. Some quiet lanes. A few stiles. Time: 10:00am Charge £1 members, £2 non-members. Organiser: Phil Upton Tel. 01543 254627 Mobile. 07979 844322 Email: philip.upton24@btinternet.com ———————————————————————————————————————

THURSDAY 8th February Short Walk Sutton Park 5.0 Miles Meet Car park of Four Oaks Pub, Belwell Lane, Sutton Coldfield. B74 4TR Map Ref: SJ 109987 Landranger Map139 Lunch: At Four Oaks pub after walk. Terrain: Mainly flat, could be muddy if wet Time: 10.00am Charge £1.00 members £2.00 non members Organiser: John Hodgson Tel 01543-253149 or Mobile 07 974 674 078 e-mail: john.jenhodgson@tiscali.co.uk

——————————————————————————————————————— WEDNESDAY 21st February Talk by Helen Bratt-Wyton

Subject: Sex, Drugs and Poetry Sex Drugs and Poetry is a tongue in cheek look at the other stories on the life and times of the Pre-Raphaelites and their associates. Helen Bratt-Wyton has been associated with

Wightwick Manor for 18 years and is currently the

House and Collections Manager. She is an expert on

Wightwick's collection and its stories.

Venue: Guildhall, Lichfield Time: 7.30 pm Charge: £2.00 members £4.00 non members Organiser: Gordon Cooper Tel: 01283 820531 ———————————————————————————————————————

South East Staffordshire Association of National Trust Members

NEW BANKERS STANDING ORDER

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Please arrange for a standing order to be set up and charged to my Account

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And on 1st January annually thereafter until further notice

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Please take this to your bank and let the Membership Secretary know you have

set up a standing order. Remember it does take a number of weeks to set this up.

You can contact the Membership secretary by telephone or email.

Tel. No. 01543 263981: email rosemary.tole@gmail.com

Short Walk members at Branston Water Park,13th July

Long Walk members at Ockbrook, 7th July