Drinks receptions in beautiful surroundings

Located in two beautiful settings, the CLA Midlands team organised two drinks receptions for members, one at the stunning Radbourne Hall in Derbyshire and another in South Shropshire at the beautiful Linley Hall.

Both saw a variety of members attend and take the opportunity to network whilst enjoying their surroundings.

Set in rural Derbyshire and the 18th century Palladian family home of Sir James and Lady Chichester, Radbourne Hall is set in 200 acres of parkland and has recently undergone a major award-winning three year refurbishment.

The restoration involved the enhancement, as well as protection of the building’s architecture. Essential structural works were carried out to the roof, services and utilities, windows reinstated and a staircase in the front garden giving access to the two principal rooms.

The prestigious Restoration Award recognises outstanding samples of work that is being undertaken by private owners, to protect and preserve the historic buildings in their care.

Blessed with beautiful weather, members were able to enjoy drinks and canapés on the terrace whilst wondering between two of the main rooms of the house. Lady Chichester also provided a talk on the history of the house and its artwork.

The second drinks reception held in July took place in the walled garden at Linley Hall. The weather was not so kind, but armed with CLA umbrellas, members rallied around and enjoyed a tour of the garden led by Head Gardener, Kate Gatacre.

The walled garden is an organic, no-dig market garden providing delicious home grown produce to The Bridges Pub and further afield to London. During the tour, Kate introduced the vast variety of species grown, and the methods used to produce them.

Canapés made from produce grown in the garden were served to members giving them a real idea of what can be home-grown.

We would like to thank our sponsors for these events, PKF Cooper Smith and Handelsbanken.