October events at Holkham Hall

Gardeners will delight in Holkham Hall’s expert Pruning Day (15^th October) and exclusive tour of the private gardens (23^rd October). More news soon.

Ten-year repainting project nears completion at Holkham Hall

Nearly 10 years after work began – and around 400 windows later – Holkham Hall is reaching the end of a major project to repaint all of its window frames.

The first stage of application of Holkham Linseed Paint to the Hall’s windows began in 2002, and the window restoration team is headed up by Maurice Bray, who has worked at the estate since 1958.

The project is anticipated to finish in the next 12 months and only the interior courtyard windows of the Grade One listed hall remain unpainted.

Every frame will eventually be painted in linseed, a specialist environmentally-friendly paint, which can last up to 15 years. Used across Europe since the early 18th century, linseed paint has been enjoying a revival in the UK thanks to its environmental credentials and long life span.

Holkham Linseed Paints was established by Lord Coke in 2002 and are endorsed by the Holkham Estate. Derived from natural pure linseed oil, using renewable and sustainable resources, the paint has proved a long-term and cost effective way of maintaining the estate’s properties. 

“There are certainly more windows than days in the year,” said estate surveyor James Bracey, commenting on the scale of the job. “Previously they were painted on the outside and varnished on the inside. Today they are painted externally and waxed internally, and all work is undertaken in full agreement with English Heritage.”

The largest fireworks display in Britain since New Year

To celebrate their 400th anniversary, Hatfield House will host the largest fireworks display in Britain since New Year with their fabulous Firework Picnic Concert (10th September), due to be broadcast live to a spellbound audience.

For more information on the fireworks display visit  http://www.hatfield-house.co.uk/whats-on/events/firework-picnic-concert/

More September events from the Treasure Houses of England

Chatsworth will be treating visitors to a mix of events – from their glorious Wedding Fair (15th September) and Moris Minor rally (11th September) to their beautiful Beyond Limits sculpture exhibition (16th September-30th October). Widely regarded as one of the year’s premier arts events, Sotheby’s brings a wealth of contemporary sculptures from over 20 international artists such as René Magritte, Ju Ming and Marc Quinn.

Enjoy some Hollywood nostalgia at Harewood House’s Drive-In Movie Night (10th September) by watching Tony Scott’s cult classic, ‘Top Gun’ under the stars. Continue the high-octane theme with Cars in the Park – a casual gathering of sports/super cars and enthusiasts on 11th September.

Events this September at the Treasure Houses of England

The Treasure Houses of England are presenting a plethora of events this September at their magnificent castles, houses and palaces. Enjoy an inspiring itinerary of exciting events spread across their ten sites all featuring gorgeous grounds and breathtaking buildings steeped in their own fascinating history.

Experience Europe’s biggest autojumble at Beaulieu (10th-11th September) where over 200 vehicles will be for sale including collectors’ cars, motorcycles and numerous automobilia. Following world class riding at the Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials (8th-11th September) - The Independent Woodstock Literary Festival will be staged at Blenheim Palace to kick start the autumn literary season in supreme style (15th-18th September).

More events coming soon!

Harewood feels the need . . . the need for speed

Harewood invites you to unite in a Top Gun moment on Saturday 10 September, when you can join Goose and Maverick for an evening under the stars during this unique drive-in movie experience.

Classic 1986 American action film, Top Gun, is coming to Harewood and you are invited to join in this unique movie experience. The iconic film stars Tom Cruise playing his infamous 80s role - Lieutenant Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, a young Naval aviator aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise. A story of rivalry, camaraderie, romance and loss - Top Gun offers the ultimate opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the most legendary films of the 80s.

This film showing coincides with the end of Summer and provides a fitting way to see the Summer out in style, with pre-movie entertainment from Stray FM and refreshments available throughout. Simply drive in, bring a picnic to share with friends or enjoy a romantic evening for two at what is sure to be an unforgettable evening.

Gates will open at 5.30pm. The film will commence at around 8pm depending on weather/light conditions, and will last approximately 110 minutes. Please ensure you have a working FM Radio to be able to pick up movie sound.

Certificate 12A – children’s attendance is at parents’ discretion.

Pre-book to save money and avoid disappointment.

Pre-book: £20 per car for Harewood members, £25 per car (up to 6 seats) and £30 per mini bus.

Prices on the day: £35 per car (up to 6 people) and £40 per mini bus.

Visit www.harewood.org for more details.

www.treasurehouses..co.uk

Red Arrows Aim to Reach for the Sky Above Chatsworth

The Red Arrows are expected to give their first public aerobatic display since the death of Flight Lieutenant Jon Egging. Returning to the sky above the Chatsworth Country Fair at 4.15pm on Friday 2 September, the eight other pilots from the team will perform a twenty-four minute display of aerial prowess.

While the inquest into the accident continues, the Hawk T1 aircraft used by the Red Arrows have been cleared for flight and the team’s pilots are ready to go subject to a final test flight today. The Red Arrows were originally scheduled to fly at Chatsworth on Friday and Sunday but the Sunday display has been cancelled, replaced with other aerobatic displays.

The Duke of Devonshire said: “We are delighted that the Red Arrows have decided to take flight again at Chatsworth but of course it will be a day of mixed emotions. There will be thousands of people enjoying the show but it will be tinged with sadness as people remember Flight Lieutenant Egging. I think it will give everybody a greater appreciation of the expertise needed for a display like this and of the enormous risks taken on our behalf by the armed forces.”

Christopher Lloyd Owen, organiser of the Chatsworth Country Fair, added: “We had dedicated this 30th anniversary year to the armed forces before this terrible accident and the decision of the Red Arrows to return to action here makes it especially poignant. The Country Fair has always had a strong link to the three services and this year is no exception – as well as the Red Arrows we have the REME Band, the Musical Ride of the Household Cavalry, the Tigers Freefall Team of the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment, and - representing the Navy - the Portsmouth Action Field Gun Club.”

Held in the park of Chatsworth, home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, the Chatsworth Country fair is celebrating its 30th anniversary - the three day event takes place from 2 to 4 September 2011. For more information visit www.treasurehouses.co.uk

INCREASE YOUR PLANT STOCKS AT A PROPAGATION DAY AT HOLKHAM HALL IN NORFOLK

Enthusiastic gardeners can take the opportunity to learn how to increase their plant stocks without having to spend a fortune by attending a special Propagation Day at Holkham Hall in Norfolk on Saturday, September 10.

Head gardener Tim Marshall is overseeing a long term restoration project of the Walled Gardens at Holkham and has a wealth of experience in propagating plants. The day will start with an informal talk on the various methods used with the aid of some helpful information sheets followed by a buffet lunch in the Stables Café after which a practical session will take place in the Walled Gardens to demonstrate how to take cuttings and pot them up.

The day includes coffee on arrival and lunch along with a selection of your own propagated plants to take home.

Focus returns to the Walled Gardens on Saturday, October 15, with a dedicated Pruning Day for gardeners keen to learn the correct methods of effective pruning. The course covers the basic biology of trees and shrubs and includes hands-on experience, the opportunity to ask questions and coffee and lunch.

Tickets for both event are £35 each and can be bought by telephoning the Holkham ticket office on 01328 713111 or emailing ticketoffice@holkham.co.uk.