Celebrate, it's 1908

"Such fun" was Liz F's verdict on the Sunday at Dudmaston when some of our members got into role for the National Trust's celebration of some significant events of 1908.
The sad news that year was that Francis Wolrych-Whitmore, owner and resident of Dudmaston had died and as his son, also Francis, and his wife Alice had a home in London they had no option but to let Dudmaston until such time as Francis's diplomatic commitments could allow them to retire to the country. So, the scene was set for the Players, with Alice (Liz F), in mourning, accompanied by her maid (Linda) interviewing prospective tenants, including a Mrs Baker (Dorothy) who eventually took the tenancy with her husband. Davis (Owen) welcomed visitors in the entrance hall and below stairs Martha Shepherd (Pat L) grumbled at kitchen maid Annie (Patricia) wondering if the new tenants would need staff or bring their own. The good news was that Francis and Alice's daughter Olive was about to give birth to a baby, the future Rachel Lady Labouchere, who was the last owner of Dudmaston. Olive's brother Geoffrey was to take over the running of the estate and it was he who introduced new forestry practices and ensured the future of the estate.
History lesson over. It was nice to be invited by Tessa, NT events organiser at Dudmaston to take part and gratifying that the visitors seemed to enjoy it, some entering into the spirit of it: one gent asked if he could take on the house for his 10 children, aged 1 to 8! Mrs W-W was not encouraging. Over 1000 visitors came on the Sunday and slightly fewer on the damp Monday. Outside children played Victorian games, folk dancers danced and in the library a couple of very talented ladies worked on botanical paintings.
It's good to say "yes". We'll put it in the diary for next year.