26.02.10 60th Anniversary preparations
Our preparations for the celebration of our diamond jubilee this year are progressing well and we have now gone live with our Poetry and Painting competitions. (I was tempted to leave in my typo' that left the "i" out of "Painting", which would have been particularly apt for the reading of a very long poem devoid of any punctuation. But I didn't.) So, if literally or artistically gifted, do explore the details of these via the menu on the left. There are some decent prizes up for grabs with categories for adults and non-adults.
Linking in with these is an exhibition of entries which will close at the end of our open-weekend 10-11th July. We are allowing the visiting public to give 40% of the marks awarded to the paintings to be added to those of the expert judges so do come and see the entries and add your own ha'pennyworth to the results.
In the style of most competitions, there is a theme involved: The Tree. Could it be otherwise?
Some of the other plans for the 60th Anniversary Open Weekend include:
* Lecture/workshop "When did that tree get there?" Arboriculturist, Clive Mayhew, will lead participants through the fascinating history of tree introductions to the UK by the early voyagers and the dedicated plant hunters. At the end of this fascinating presentation, you will be able to look at trees in the landscape and around historic properties and understand the evolution of the landscaping with new, informed eyes.
* Lecture/workshop "1000 years of Landscape History in 60 minutes". Again, led by Clive Mayhew, this illustrated talk will do exactly as it says on the tin.
* Guided tours of the nurseries. Andrew Forsyth will take parties around the 50 acre site, explaining the routines of the nurseries, what we grow, how but not, maybe, why. You will gain an insight into the particular challenges of growing stock in the harsh upland environment that is Weasdale. The geology has some surprises, the wildlife can delight and, if we are lucky, we may be bathed in beautiful Cumbrian sunshine. We have, of course, reserved 5 days of clear blue skies from the Thursday until into the following week, with a light, 3mph, breeze.
* Machinery exhibition. There will be a wide range of grass and estate maintenance machinery on display with the occasional demonstration that should interest anyone with more than a pocket handkerchief of garden to look after.
* Woodland and Forestry grant packages. Representatives of from the Forestry Commission and other funding organisations will be on hand to give advice about grants for planting trees and hedging.
* Ceilidh. If you have not been to a Weasdale ceilidh before, then perhaps it is time that you did? Live music, a caller who will tell you which foot to put where and with whom, a bar and a shared supper are all the ingredients you need for an energetic and very entertaining evening.
* Prizegiving and readings of the winning poems. 3pm on the Sunday afternoon (11th July) will round off the weekend's activities.
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