A special early season invitation
Friday 26th March 2010
Get the weekend off to a good start by joining us at Petworth Park (West Sussex). We are invited, for the sixth time, by the National Trust for a special early season visit when it’s glorious with daffodils. These events started following help given us by the Head Gardener, Mr Gary Liddle, for our Sweet Chestnut book, when he said “Come and see them in March when the daffodils are out; you must see the daffodils.” So, through the co-operation of the House Administrator, here is your invitation to do just that – a wonderful day of Chestnuts and Daffodils and a whole load more.
Arrive 11.15am for a welcoming coffee. Meeting place will be on your tickets but think in terms of the entrance from the town – the usual Park car park will still be closed so use the town car park which is off the lower side of the town square (free at the moment). Bring your lunch up with you.
11.30am Talk by Sally Kington (ret. International Registrar of Narcissus), who gives a wonderful visual presentation of the evolution of the modern trumpet daffodils from their wild ancestors (which we see in the Park after lunch).
12.00pm Talk by Chris Howkins on trees in English parks, like Petworth, and nearby Cowdray, ready for our afternoon walk.
12.30pm The National Trust are very kindly going to open the famous Victorian kitchens for us to see and be on hand to answer your questions. We may eat first.
1.00pm lunch – bring a packed lunch as the Restaurant will be closed. We are allowed to eat in the Servants’ Hall, in the warm.
2pm guided tour of the pleasure gardens etc. with the head gardener, followed by a walk in the park to see the acres of wild daffodils, temple, viewpoint with grand views out over Sussex.
Ends 3-4pm approx (depending on the weather)
Tickets for the whole event are £14.00 (no reduction for National Trust members – this is in line with other special events staged by the National Trust). The ticket price is all inclusive: entry fee, talk, tour of kitchens, guided walk by the head gardener in formal gardens plus the park.
NB – this day involves WALKING. Bring sensible shoes and warm clothing. No dogs!
Directions
Car parking - use main town car park, which is at lowest level of town centre. Walk back uphill to the church at the top.
Meeting - on pavement at 11.15am between church and House entrance. Please do not ring bell for early entry.
