by Roy Bolton

The Country Land and Business Association Annual General Meeting and Tour

On September 25th, Edward Strachan hosted a wonderfully enthusiastic and spirited group from the CLA in September. The Somerset Chairman, David Hebditch, Vice-Chariman David Kenyon and the events manager Sarah Fern organised their hardy members for a tour of the restoration in-progress. After the business of the AGM was completed the national Chairman Ross Murray passed proceedings over to Edward to give a talk about the house, its history and future.  The attendees split into two groups to take tours around the estate.

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The CLA AGM: Roy Bolton, Edward Strachan (speaking) Claire Fear of Thread Architects.

The largest group was led by Edward and they made their way to Mill Wood to view the Bath Stone Bridge restoration as well as the progress made by the 4,500 trees which were planted 18 months earlier. For those who had never seen Mill Wood, which was most of the company, the sights were an eye-opener of what Halswell once was and is becoming once again.

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Edward discusses the progress made identifying the 13 quartered coats-of-arms carved in 1689 when the Baroque Wing was completed.
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Examining the new Viewing Tower and restored exteriors of the Manor House from atop the archaeology heap which will soon become the restored sixteenth-century Knot Garden.
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The Tudor Manor under restoration. From left to right: the restored Coach House battlements; the Viewing Tower which will overlook the restored Tudor Knot Garden; the south wing which is currently undergoing its interior restoration which includes the C18th Lady Tynte’s Dairy; the Tudor Manor proper with its restored render made with local sand to give it its correct pinkish colour; the Baroque Wing looms above and has also been re-rendered on this façade in the traditional way. The garden wall under scaffolding in the foreground is being strengthened and coping stones will be added before it is also rendered.
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The Ice House and Mrs Busby’s Temple (the Rotunda)
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Sun-downers on the roof

-RB

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