Join us for a visit to
STOW MARIES AERODROME
(THE ONLY SURVIVING WORLD WAR I AIRFIELD IN THE WORLD)
AND
BETH CHATTO’S GARDEN
SATURDAY 28 APRIL 2012
STOW MARIES AERODROME
Opened in 1916, its first occupants were ‘B’ Flight 37 (Home Defence) Squadron Royal Flying Corps. The airfield was opened as a direct need to attack the German Zeppelins that were a threat to London. Various squadrons were based at the airfield but one of the saddest facts was the very young age of the air crews. Many were under 20 and the first Commanding Officer of the Airfield was Lieutenant Claude Ridley aged just 20.
The restored ‘Officers Quarters’ now houses the museum and tells the story of the bravery of the young air crew who pioneered aerial combat in its infancy. The airfield closed in 1920 and the land returned to agriculture. This one fact probably saved the buildings as they were isolated by farm land. Coffee will be served on our arrival and a presentation given as to the history of the site after which we will be free to explore the site and buildings. The whole site has now been given ‘Protected Building Status’ and the airfield runway is again operational for commemorative flights. We will leave at 12 noon and head for our lunch.
LUNCH is at ‘THE DUCANE’. This restaurant won the ‘Essex Life Fine Food and Drink Award’ in 2011. The owner and Chef, Jonathan Brown has 25 years experience and started his career under Raymond Blanc. Jonathan has also worked along side John Burton Race and Marco Pierre White, (Hells Kitchen fame). Jonathan is preparing one of his 3 course menus plus tea/coffee, just for us. In due course we will ask you to choose from the menu, when we receive it.
BETH CHATTO GARDEN
Winner of 10 gold medals at the RHS Chelsea Flower show and adviser to Price Charles on his garden at Highgrove, Beth Chatto has stamped her name on the horticultural scene. Her garden covers 7 acres and reflects her knowledge of plants. There is a dry gravel garden, a bog garden, a woodland garden etc. The garden was created by Beth and her late husband Andrew, a botanist. Today Beth has help in the garden but as one of the gardener’s was heard to say “We dare not put a spade in the ground unless Beth has approved the work”. Still very active in the garden, at the age of 88, you may well see her during our visit. All the plants in her garden are named and you can buy them in the plant shop. We have chosen this time of year for our visit because the garden will be full of spring colour.
Leave Ardleigh House at 8.45am and return about 6.30pm
COST £40.00 MEMBERS DISCOUNT PRICE £37.50
(Includes morning coffee and 3 course lunch)
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