The Arts Society Falmouth

Thursday

Powderham Castle

Synopsis:

Bookings Open at March Lecture

Powderham Castle enjoys a unique and picturesque setting within an ancient deer park.

Powderham came to the Courtenay family in the dowry of Edward I’s granddaughter, and her son Sir Philip Courtenay began building the Castle in 1391. With major reverses in the family fortunes throughout Tudor and Civil War periods, it has remained in the Courtenay family to this day, and is now the home of the Earl and Countess of Devon, the 28th generation to live there.

The grounds have many fine features, including the Woodland Garden, boasting many exotic species from the Americas - a particularly peaceful haven, and very attractive at this time of the year.

Members may choose to take the 35 minute ride on the tractor/trailer through the deer park, which contains a large herd of 650 fallow deer.

Lunch options: Take your own picnic, Order a light lunch in the Courtenay Café Or order your own at the Orangery, a short walk from the Castle.

Venue: By Coach to Powderham Castle, Exeter

Organised by: Falmouth DFAS

Cost: £24 to include coach travel and a tour of the castle, plus coffee/biscuits on arrival.

Or £26.25 to include a safari tour of the deer park

Thursday

Exeter Cathedral : A Portrait in Decorated Gothic - A Combined Lecture & Visit with Mark Cottle

Synopsis:

Bookings Open at January Lecture

Described by English Heritage as England’s most beautiful Decorated Gothic cathedral, Exeter Cathedral’s imposing Norman towers flank a massive 14th century nave with the longest unbroken rib-vaulted ceiling of any Gothic cathedral in Europe. With an abundance of carving, gilt, paint, marble, alabaster, brass and Purbeck stone, Exeter Cathedral reveals insights into the spirit of the age of the great English cathedrals.

Following coffee on arrival, ever popular lecturer Mark Cottle started the day with a talk, followed by a break for lunch (not included) and an afternoon tour of the Cathedral and its archives.

Members were invited to bring their own picnic, or have lunch at the Cathedral café or at one of the local cafés.

Venue: By Coach to Exeter Cathedral

Organised by: Falmouth DFAS

Cost: £33.50

To include coach, coffee/biscuits, the lecture and the tour of the Cathedral

Thursday

Caerhays Castle

Synopsis:

Caerhays Castle, the home of the Williams family, is set in 140 acres of stunning gardens. The castle was designed by John Nash, while the gardens owe their magnificence to the devotion of many famous plant collectors who brought back rare specimens from China and elsewhere.

Guided tours led by either the Head Gardener or his assistant were available, or members may stroll around on their own and choose easy walking routes.

The house tour started at 11.30 a.m. taking about an hour, and the garden tour about two hours. Members could order their lunch at the Magnolia Tea Rooms between the tours.

Parts of the garden are on a steep slope and may be more difficult for anyone with mobility issues. Suitable clothing and footwear (i.e. boots) were recommended for the garden tour, which extended to about 1½ miles.

Venue: Caerhays Castle, near St. Austell

Organised by: Falmouth DFAS

Cost: £15 for a conducted tour of the house and gardens. £7 for the house tour only - £7 for access to the gardens