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Midnight Pool Parties # 59

Following on with the summer theme my mind drifted back to those halcyon days of summer when we were all young and lively and hanging out with a large group of friends.  By now Kev and I had left college and were both working but weekends were for fun and parties! Kev and the band were also getting a few gigs around the area and after singing with them for a little while I gave it up and let a more professional singer take over – I needed to work on my confidence first!   We still went to the local '76 Club' though to see live music – it was the start of the punk era and we saw the Sex Pistols there when they were just starting out – I have to say they...

Huntin', Shootin' and Fishin' #6

HUNTIN’,  SHOOTIN’ AND FISHIN’:    Most stately homes have the obligatory hunting, shooting and fishing and Hoar Cross Hall was no exception during the Meynell family’s time there. We participated in none of these but the Meynell and South Staffs Hunt used to meet locally to do a spot of fox hunting. They would all gather at different venues around the area and enjoy a drink before setting off. One of their usual places was the Meynell Ingram Arms Public House at the bottom of the village. In February 1972 they had their ‘meet’ at the Hall. We, as the host family, got all dressed up to meet and greet them and local helpers served drinks, usually s...

Hoar Cross Hall meets Downton Abbey #99

With the new Downton Abbey film out this month I thought I would do a comparison of the two family homes, Downton and Hoar Cross Hall, the latter being my old family home for those of you who are new to these blogs.  Although Downton Abbey is fictional, the house on which it is based is not, it being Highclere Castle in Hampshire which was built in 1679 and is owned by the Earl of Carnarvon. Hoar Cross Hall was the original home of the Meynell Ingram family who first came from Leicestershire and was built in 1863.  Hugo Meynell of Quorndon was the High Sheriff of Staffordshire and Member of Parliament for Lichfield and the family owned considerable property in...

Gardeners' World at Hoar Cross #36

...ghtaway! Emily Meynell Ingram employed a Mr Rowley especially to carry out her plans of planting the yew hedges, of which there were many.  At each side of the garden was a long walk bordered by yew hedges down to the ha-ha wall at the bottom.  Across the bottom of the gardens were smaller square gardens (including the stepping stone pond) all bordered by yew hedges.  These hedges were all trimmed into spectacular shapes and must have been a full time job for Mr Rowley!   (see header picture of Mr Rowley in the kitchen garden).     The yew hedges showing a letter 'M' for Meynell   The estate also had its own farm called Home Farm.  This su...

Gardeners World at Hoar Cross #43

...es   Emily Meynell Ingram employed a Mr Rowley especially to carry out her plans of planting the yew hedges, of which there were many. At each side of the garden was a long walk bordered by yew hedges down to the ha-ha wall at the bottom. Across the bottom of the gardens were smaller square gardens (including the stepping stone pond) all bordered by yew hedges. These hedges were all trimmed into spectacular shapes such as globes, M for Meynell and even a man on horseback no less!  This must have been a full time job for Mr Rowley as they needed constant attention (see header picture of Mr Rowley in the kitchen garden). Windowed hedges showing the man on...

Summer Balls and Garden Parties #57

...se days! Emily Meynell's sister-in-law, Lady Mary wanted to organize an eighteenth birthday and 'coming out' Ball in 1912 for her daughter, Daisy. A Ball at the Ritz in London would have cost at least £600 so Lady Mary (now a widow) decided to hold a little dance for eight or more people at home. This was in a house in Surrey as they had moved out of the Hall by this time and had been living a more simple life. With the help of “a good cook and kind friends” the function cost exactly £50 and was enjoyed by all who attended. It just goes to show that great expense doesn't necessarily mean more enjoyment! Although the Meynells' held a lot of social events...