On a balmy summer's evening - yes we have had a few of them - Folksy Theatre burst on to their makeshift stage in front of the Orangery in the heart of Hestercombe's formal gardens with their adaptation of Shakespeare's 'Much Ado About Nothing'. It's my favorite Shakespeare and I was not disappointed. The Folksy group was full of energy, colour and skill as the story unfolded. Well over a hundred guests set up their picnics on the Orangery lawn and delighted in the performance. We look forward to Folksy's return in 2013 and hope to have two performances - both a summer show and hopefully one at Christmas.
Kelvin and I set up our little gazebo to provide refreshments which were well received also giving us an opportunity to chat to lots of people about the next outside event in the gardens - ILLUMINA from 7th September over those first two weekends.
As the school summer holidays continue, it really has been wonderful to welcome so many families to Hestercombe. The free facilities are a big hit with the mum's and babes - a play area, picnic spot, cafe, shop and gallery - and with some sunny days, I am so pleased to see lots of children running in the gardens enjoying the freedom away from TV sets and Wii games! Let's hope we see the sun continue for some weeks to come.
Events to look out for - ILLUMINA 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16 September from 8.30 in the evening to enjoy the light and sound displays in darkness - food and drink are available in the Cafe from 7p.m. The Taunton Literary Festival begins on 22nd September and comes to Hestercombe on 23rd September with big names like Rosemary Penfold, Stephen Moss, Graham Garvey, Miriam Darlington and Duff Hart.
The two garden events are The Great Seed Giveaway on 12th September and the Cuttings workshop on 26th September - both with our charismatic Head Gardener, Claire Reid. The workshop needs to be booked as there are limited spaces but the Seed Giveaway is free (apart from Garden entry) and bookings are not needed.
I'll start talking about Hallowe'en and Christmas events soon!
