A group of 21 museum members enjoyed a very well organised trip to Chiddingstone Castle and Quebec House on July 25, one of the hottest days of the year. The trip was organised by Diana Hajikakou and our thanks to her for a very well run event. A Rambler coach took us on a very picturesque route through Goudhurst and on to Chiddingstone, meeting a tractor on a very narrow country road – the tractor thankfully did the backing up but was a very tight squeeze, our expert coach driver received a round of applause. Chiddingstone Castle is set in a beautiful part of Kent. The small village of Chiddingstone belongs to the National Trust though the castle is a privately run, independent charity (The Denys Eyre Bower Bequest).
The group first enjoyed a welcome cup of coffee in the shady courtyard and then we were given a guided tour of the rooms and their varied collections by the curator. Denys Eyre Bower was an avid collector from an early age and his eccentric collection spans from Japanese samurai swords, Egyptian artefacts, Buddhist statues and many portraits all set out in individual rooms. We were also lucky to see some vintage cars as they arrived for a short stop over on their way to Hever Castle.
A break for lunch, again in the shady courtyard, where ploughman’s lunches were on offer, and then some free time to explore. The gardens were parched just like the rest of the country but there was a nice shady short walk over a Monet-style bridge and lily lake into the village, where the first stop could have been the pub, The Castle Inn. A very pretty church sits opposite. I would well recommend a trip to Chiddingstone Castle.
A short ride then took us onto Quebec House in Westerham. We were able to look round the house of General James Wolfe where he spent his childhood. An interesting Georgian house, it has an exhibition with a new interpretation of the Battle of Quebec. There was of course a small National Trust tearoom where again we enjoyed tea and cake before our speedy homeward journey down the A21.
Thank you to Rye Museum and Diana for arranging the trip and now we look forward to celebrating the Museum’s 90th birthday with an event for members and a Teddy Bears Picnic for children.
The Museum welcomes new members and volunteers just get in touch with the museum on 01797 226728 or at info@ryemuseum.co.uk
Photo: Heather Stevenson