Heart of England - Shropshire

WESTON PARK EVENTS
MARCH – SEPTEMBER

Lucie Green – Tuesday 3rd March – Monday 30th March
The Granary Art Gallery will welcome Herefordshire based Lucie Green for a selling exhibition of her recent works. Primarily a printmaker, Lucie’s bold and often inviting images would suit any home. This particular exhibition will show her range of linocuts, woodcuts, collagraphs and etchings, which cover various subjects from still life to interiors to scenes from countries abroad.
Her recent relief and intaglio works take inspiration from objects around her, as well as her experiences from living overseas in Asia. Chinese woodcuts have particularly interested here, following a visit to the Chinese Academy of Fine Art in Beijing. In addition, Lucie has been able to pass on her printmaking techniques from teaching GCSE, A-Level students and running classes at her local secondary school.
Lucie Green has exhibited widely in the east of the country, south east and London, recently having her work on show at The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition last year. In addition she has exhibited in Ludlow and Northern Ireland and we look forward to welcoming Lucie to Shropshire and Staffordshire.

Mother’s Day Lunch
Sunday 15th March
Spoil your mum with the ultimate Mother’s Day treat with a four-course lunch served in the Victorian Orangery. Head Chef Guy Day and his brigade will prepare a delicious lunch followed by coffee and homemade petit-fours. Following lunch you can take a walk through the formal gardens and enjoy the views across Capability Brown’s landscaped parkland. After all, what Mum doesn’t deserve something extra special at this time of year?
£60 per person
Pre-booking is required by calling Jade Lawley on 01952 852106 or e-mail: jade@weston-park.com

NEW for 2015 Springtime Gardens Walk
Sunday 29th March
Join Head Gardener Martin Gee has he takes you on a tour of the gardens here at Weston as they wake up for Spring. Generations of the Bridgeman family have left their legacy on the estate through all the prevailing gardening fashions of the time from formal lines to wide open Pleasure Grounds.
Over the last two years Martin and his team have also created two new gardens; Lady Anne’s Memorial Garden and the restoration of Lady Joan’s Garden of Memory in Temple Wood. Sisters to the 6th Earl, Lady Joan died in a tragic riding accident aged only 19 whilst her sister Lady Anne went on to create ‘Broadleas’ garden in Wiltshire which paid homage to her love of flowering trees. These gardens have now matured and Martin will give walkers a wonderful insight into these projects and how and why the gardens were created.
Add the pricing in that CC has given

Afternoon Tea
Tuesday 31st, Wednesday 1st and Thursday 2nd April
Join us for this quintessential great British treat served in the stately surroundings of the historic Dining Room. Head Chef Guy Day and his brigade will prepare delicate finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and homemade jam and a selection of sweet and savoury treats, all served on classic tea stands, with a pot of your favourite tea. If you would like to add some sparkle to your afternoon treat our Butlers will be happy to serve a glass of bubbly with your tea.
£27.50 per person includes a tour of the House and admission to the HPG

Birmingham Watercolour Society – April
The Birmingham Watercolour Society will make the Granary Art Gallery its home in April as they return for a selling exhibition of members’ work. Founded in 1907,with a worldwide membership, the society upholds the finest traditions of watercolour painting and promotes excellence through innovation. Members are talented painters from a wide geographical range with the exhibition showing over 70 members works selected by the society’s committee.
With such a wide variety of work on offer the exhibition will have something to suite everyone’s tastes with selected works on sale.
11am – 4pm
Free Entry

Easter Holidays
Break up Friday 27th March and return Monday 13th April
Proposed opening dates: Monday 30th March to Sunday 12th April
Kite festival

Transport Show
Sunday 5th and Monday 6th April
The Transport Show pulls up at Weston over the Bank Holiday weekend promising a great day out for all the family. As well as hundreds of classic cars and vehicles on display there is a wide variety of arena entertainment, children’s activities, fun fair, food and drink stalls and trade stands.
Transtar Promotions

Spring Horse Trials
10th, 11th and 12th April
The Spring Horse Trials ‘One Day Event’ is run over three days incorporating dressage, cross country and show jumping.
For further information please visit www.westonht.co.uk

Guy Day’s Hints & Tips
Put a Spring in your step
Tuesday 21st and Wednesday 22nd April
Natures larder is full of spring treats. Guy will demonstrate seasonally inspired dishes including ingredients such asparagus, peas, watercress and soft fresh herbs.
New for 2015 the Hints & Tips lunch menu will be a three-course set menu inspired by either the theme or the ingredients of each session.
Hints & Tips starts at 11am with coffee in the Granary Deli with the demonstration starting at 11.15am
£23 per person includes coffee on arrival, demonstration, tastings, recipe cards and a three-course set lunch in the Granary Grill

Spring Plant Fair
3rd and 4th May
The wonderful Plant Hunters Fairs will once again make Weston their home over the Bank Holiday weekend showcasing award winning plants. Whether you are a green fingered professional or just like to potter in the garden there will be a wide selection of top quality nurseries attending.
All the nurseries are happy to offer advice and tips on selecting the best plants for the time of year. It is the aim of the organisers to select a great mix of expert growers, each with their own distinctive specialities.
The House will be open to tour to take a look at the fabulous art collection and learn more about the history of the estate.
Children can let off steam in the Woodland Adventure Playground and there are miles of woodland walks, lakes and the beautiful formal gardens to explore.
Relax and unwind over a coffee in the Deli or enjoy lunch in the Granary Grill.
Admission: £2.50 per person
House Admission: £2 per person
Weston Park Annual Pass holders enter free of charge
To find out more about Plant Hunters’ Fairs please take a look at their website.

David Paul Gleeson
2nd May – Sunday 31st May
David Paul Gleeson will be exhibiting with us throughout May in the Granary Art Gallery throughout May with his paintings which could be described as contemporary realism, with extraordinary attention to detail and colour. His portraiture work has an incredible likeness to his subjects and his still life work captures the illumination and surface texture very accurately, whilst his painted objects sometimes are metaphors for entirely different subject matters.
Born in Manchester, David studied Visual Art at Aberystwyth University and Painting at Wolverhampton University. Since 1984 he has exhibited in numerous solo and group shows in London, elsewhere in the UK, the USA, and Johannesburg.
He has won prize in 24 exhibitions including ‘The Discerning Eye’ and ‘The Hunting Art Prize’. David was elected a full member of the RBSA in 2006 and in 2011 was shortlisted for the Sunday Times Watercolour Competition and was highly commended.
He has works in many contemporary collections and has been shown at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery and the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition.
David exhibited his work with us in our Fine Art Open Competition so we are delighted to welcome him back with his own solo show in the Gallery.
11am – 4pm
Free Entry

Bluebell Walk
Sunday 10th May
Head Gardener Martin Gee will lead a three and half mile guided walk through carpets of bluebells, avenues and azaleas and Capability Brown’s pleasure grounds.
At this time of year Temple Wood is a riot of colour and perfume as the rhododendrons and azaleas are in full bloom. Martin will talk about these fashionable hybrids and why the walks were created by the 4th Countess.
The Granary Grill & Deli will be open for freshly brewed coffees, light bites, homemade cakes or a Sunday Roast.
We will be running two walks starting at 10.30am and 2pm
Admission is payable on the day in the Granary Deli
Ticket Prices
Adults £6.00
Seniors £5.00
Children £3.00
Weston Park Annual Pass holders receive 50% off admission
Dogs on leads are welcome

Dawn Chorus
Saturday 16th May
Set your alarm clock and join our Dawn Chorus Walk with wildlife expert and ornithologist John Tucker to find out more about the estates feathered inhabitants. Early risers will enjoy a two-hour guided ramble around the 1,000 acres of parkland watching out for and listening to numerous species of birds including robins, wrens, thrushes, blue tits, nut hatch and summer migrant warblers in full song.
Weston’s woods and orchard areas are ideal habitats for various bird species and John’s experience will make for a very informative early morning walk.
A hearty full English breakfast will be served up in the Granary Grill after the walk.
£20 per person
Arrival at 5.30am
Walk commences at 6am
Full English Breakfast with tea, coffee and toast will be served in the Granary Grill at 8.30am
Pre-booking is required by calling 01952 852104.

Spring Food & Craft Fayre
Monday 25th May
Our Spring Food & Craft Fayre is a great opportunity to shop for delicious food and unique crafts and gifts. The fayre will feature over 60 stalls ranging from local produce to handmade craft, art and gifts.
The House, Park and Gardens will be open to explore; take a ride on the Miniature Railway, kids can run wild in the Adventure Playground or explore the woodland walks, lakes and follies.
The Granary Grill & Deli will be serving up tasty light bites, homemade cakes and pastries and home cooked classics.
Gates open at 10.30am
Fayre Admission: £3.50 per person
House Admission: £3.00 per person
Miniature Railway: £2.00 per person
Under 4’s go free
Weston Park Annual Pass holders enter free of charge
Dogs on leads are welcome

Summer Season
Saturday 23rd May – Sunday 6th September

Glynis Wilson & Mathé Shepheard – June Exhibition
This June we will welcome two accomplished artists to the Granary Art Gallery, who are both members of the Royal Birmingham Watercolour Society.
Glynis Wilson’s calligraphy and paintings cover a wide range of subjects, styles and techniques, sometimes incorporating elements of Chinese classical poems. Since 1999 she has travelled to many areas of China to study with artists and these experiences are her inspiration. In 2002 Glynis completed a study course in Chinese calligraphy and traditional painting at the International Art Academy, University of Hangzhou. Back at home in Birmingham, her personal tutor has been Dr Jiang Jiehong, a graduated in Fine Arts and Traditional Chinese painting from Shanghai University. Glynis has also studied with Qu Lei Lei, a world famous Chinese painter.
Mathe Shepheard will be showing a variety of themes in her exhibition, which have matured over many years, through the making of ceramics and glass, as well as the teaching of Japanese design – a trip to Japan being the catalyst.
She will be exhibiting her range of floral and abstract paintings, each with different subject matters and sizes. Some of her small paintings, which have a fluid and sometimes mysterious appearance, concentrate on atmosphere, whilst others tend to echo her memories of Japan, aiming to appear tranquil. The intention is to reveal and abstract element of nature, left to the viewers’ interpretation.
After studying ceramics and glass, Mathe became a freelance designer and maker before becoming a part-time lecturer in History at Birmingham City University. Since retiring, Mathe has resumed painting seriously – she is a Friend of the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists in 2010, an Associate Member in May 201 and often exhibits with the group.

International Model Air Show
20th and 21st June
Model aircraft enthusiasts from all the over the UK and Europe will take to the skys to demonstrate their awesome flying skills in the Park.
The show is a great place to see top model pilots in action as well as a model boat regatta, slot car racing and a fun fair for children.
There will be the Battle of Britain pyrotechnic display and the Swift Glider display team will perform their amazing mid-air acrobatics.
Kids can get hands on in free model building workshops and there is everything you need to create your own model aircraft at the mega swap meet and trade stands.
For further information and to book tickets please visit: www.westonparkmodelairshow.co.uk

Camper Jam
Friday 3rd – Sunday 5th July
Camper Jam is the VW Bus Festival to be seen at! The show is chilled out, laid back and has a friendly, relaxed and fun packed vibe. Highlights over the weekend include live bands, food village, children’s activities and the ever popular ‘cooking in a camper’ competition.
For ticket prices, to book and for everything you need to know about Camper Jam please visit www.camperjam.com
For all the latest updates and news like Camper Jam on Facebook (facebook.com/camperjam)
What is this year’s theme?

Tour of the Gardens with Martin Gee
Sunday 19th July
Weston’s roses and seasonal bedding will be in full flower as Martin Gee takes you on a guided tour of the gardens. Martin will talk about the history of the gardens taking in centuries of garden design and fashions.
Particular areas of interest on the tour will include Lady Anne’s Memorial Garden opened by HRH the Duke of Gloucester in 2014; the Teardrop Garden, Rosewalk and the recently restored Conservatory.
The Gardens Tour costs £3.00 per adult, £2.50 per senior and £2.00 per child

Tour of the Gardens with Martin Gee
Sunday 9th August
Weston’s roses and seasonal bedding will be in full flower as Martin Gee takes you on a guided tour of the gardens. Martin will talk about the history of the gardens taking in centuries of garden design and fashions.
Particular areas of interest on the tour will include Lady Anne’s Memorial Garden opened by HRH the Duke of Gloucester in 2014; the Teardrop Garden, Rosewalk and the recently restored Conservatory.
The Gardens Tour costs £3.00 per adult, £2.50 per senior and £2.00 per child

V Festival
Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd August
The nationally acclaimed rock and pop festival runs over two days with over 100 live acts due to appear. Campers will be arriving on Friday and departing on Monday.
For further information on who will be performing at this year’s festival and when tickets go on sale please visit www.vfestival.com

Midland Game Fair
Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th September
The Midland Game Fair is the premier event of its kind in the country for anyone interested in traditional country pursuits. The show has something for everyone from world class clay pigeon shooting to game and coarse fishing demonstrations; gun dog competitions, falconry displays, ferret racing, fine arts and rural crafts plus over 600 stands for all your countryside shopping needs.
For further information please visit www.countrymanfairs.co.uk.
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Autumn Plant Fair
Sunday 13th September
Plant Hunters’ Fairs have added an Autumn Plant Fair to their calendar this year.
If your garden is looking a little tired after the summer then this is a great opportunity to find some late blooming plants to cheer it up!
Autumn is also the perfect to plant, ready for next year’s bloom. The soil is still warm and plants have plenty of time to establish and make themselves at home before winter. The nursery folk will be more than happy to give you the benefit of their experience in planting and caring for the plants you buy so you can get the best from them.
This is a great chance to enjoy the changing season at Weston and pick up some great ideas.
Admission
£2.50 per person
10am – 4pm

International Autumn Horse Trials
8th, 9th, 10th and 1th October
The International Autumn Horse Trials is run over three days for the National Junior Championships, National under 21 Championships CC1* and CC11* classes which consist of dressage, cross country and show jumping.
For further information please visit www.westonht.co.uk