Monday 17 September 2012

Making Use of our National Trust Membership

I have long been intending to join the National Trust and finally got round to doing so at the beginning of summer when, with Eva and Maia spending some days with us, the time was right for a visit to Waddesdon Manor and the purchase of the membership. For some reason I didn't take any photos that day but more than made up for it when, the last week of the school holidays, we were spending a few more days with Eva and Maia and visited a couple of National Trust properties in Kent. The first was Chartwell House, family home of Winston Churchill. The house was closed on the day we went but it was the garden we really wanted to visit. Two little girls and one fine mansion just doesn't seem a good combination! And they loved the garden and the freedom to run around. First, though, we stopped at a pub for coffee and drinks for the girls. Here's Maia IMG 2613 And Eva IMG 2614 As you can see, the weather was lovely, a gorgeous, end of summer day. Thirsts quenched, we continued on our way and finally arrived at Chartwell House. And the start of our walk. IMG 2629 The first of the many water features. IMG 2625 Fish. Lots of fish IMG 2631 Playing follow the leader IMG 2635 More fish. There were a lot of ponds with a lot of fish in them! IMG 2639 And here, a patch of cyclamen, a sign that autumn will soon be with us. IMG 2641 A vista of the beautiful Kent countryside. IMG 2642 A glimpse of the house. IMG 2643 And another IMG 2647 I belong to a small photographic club on Facebook and the theme for this month is stairs. Stairs!!! My initial reaction wasn't good but in fact, having a theme makes me look at things differently and so September is my month for looking at stairs, wondering if they will make a good picture. This was my first attempt: IMG 2648 I like it. The temptation was to think of stairs going up but I think this works. Here is another attempt, This time taken in Emmetts Garden, another National Trust property. Maia was determined to get into the picture. IMG 2650 Here she is again, still wearing her favourite hairband! and still determined she is going to get into the photo: IMG 2651 Emmetts Garden was our second National Trust property. Situated in Ide Hill village on the outskirts of Sevenoaks, it hadn't been our first choice. That was Ightham Mote but, having wound our way round innumerable country lanes to get there, the house and gardens were closed - much to the dismay of the many visitors who were arriving in the car park! So, sadly, Ightham Mote awaits another day and, after yet more Kent lanes, we found ourselves in Ide Hill and Emmetts Garden. Eva goes to school in Ide Hill, Maia to pre-school, so they know the village. After a quiet start the girls were soon making the most of the grounds. The National Trust has a list of 'things to do before you are 11' (well, it's eleven and three quarters really but I can't find a neat way of doing 3/4 - 11 3/4 looks ugly, doesn't it!) Anyway, one of the things is, roll down a hill. Here's Maia, rolling. IMG 2652 Eva was more circumspect. IMG 2653 But running round the hydrangeas was fun: IMG 2657 Isn't that hydrangea magnificent? Maia just couldn't stop running. IMG 2659 The gardens are a lovely venue for a gentle stroll - and, let's face it, gentle strolls are what Tony likes best! Here is a view of the Rose Garden IMG 2662 I missed the 'tree' theme for the photo club but still try to capture them looking good. IMG 2667 I decapitated this one - must practise more! IMG 2669 Time for a rest and a drink: IMG 2671 And a swing on a gate - here's how it's done Maia... IMG 2673 But Maia was more interested in clambering over the rocks… I'm not sure that is allowed Maia. IMG 2674 Oh dear. IMG 2675 And out the other side. IMG 2678 Time to go home. IMG 2679

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