Powderham Castle’s Credit Crunch Offers

We all like to save a bit of money where we can, we appreciate that when you visit us you want value for money and a good day out for everyone concerned. We feel our prices are very competitive, but we are very conscious of giving you more for your money and discounts where possible.

 

Before you visit us have a look at this list to see if you fall into any of these categories where you will qualify for a discount.

 

Service Personnel: If you work within one of the armed services you will receive our group discount rate (about £3 off your ticket) on presentation of your ID card.

 

English Heritage: Although we are not a member of English Heritage we are affiliated and will therefore give 20% off your entry ticket if you show your membership card.

 

Groups: if you are planning on bringing a group of 15 or more there are several rates, please see our website for more details. It is always best to book a group visit in advance and then we can arrange a private tour time for you – included in the price, of course. http://www.powderham.co.uk/visiting/groupvisits.ashx

 

Children under 4: Can enter for free (up to a maximum of 2 per paying adult) and they can still take part in our themed activities.

 

Free attractions: Once you have paid your admission all the activities are free apart from the Deer Park Safari (an optional extra which is well worth the £2.50 supplement) It’s advisable to buy your ticket on arrival to ensure you don’t miss out during busy times of year. Your admission includes an entertaining guided tour, these run at set intervals throughout the day and are adapted to suit the audience so no-one misses out. If you have chosen to visit us during one of our popular themed weeks, these are free too. The nature trail is free and can earn you a fantastic medal – something to treasure for ever. Talking of which there is always a treasure trail to follow and a prize to be won and free to do! The play area and pets corner are a must for children and of course there is plenty of outdoor space to run around in and stunning views to soak up.

 

There are also other events such asWoodlandwalks with celebrity gardener Toby Buckland and various concerts and outdoor theatre held throughout the year, see website for more details.

 

Season ticket: If you plan to visit us a couple of times this season you will be saving money if you buy a season ticket. With so much going on for all ages it really wont be difficult to do, you also receive 10% discount for purchases in the gift shop and tea rooms and can get your friends in at a discounted rate. (the family ticket is particularly good  value for money!!)  A season ticket for Powderham also gives you discounts for other attractions: 50% off entry to  Pennywell Farm andKents cavern and free parking atHaldonForest.

 

Fathers Day: Every year we offer a treat for hard working Dads on their special day as long as they are accompanied by a paying child they can enter for free. (We would do the same for Mothers if we were open on their special day!)

 

Everyone who buys a full priced Day Ticket: Don’t worry if you didn’t qualify for any of the above as we are so convinced that you will want to come back after your first visit we are offering everyone who buys a full priced Day Ticket the chance to come back again for Free. Make sure you get your ticket validated before you leave and you can return at any time later on this season.

 

So, as you can see, we are doing our bit to help your budget stretch further and we look forward to seeing you soon.

What’s new in 2012

 

We are well in to our 2012 season and it looks like it’s going to be a fabulous one.

 

Despite the weather we have already welcomed nearly 6,000 visitors through our gates since our opening on 1^st April

 

We like to think we have something for everyone from the New Woodland walks with Toby Buckland, car events such as the Silly Mini Sunday and our music extravaganza with JLS, Alexandra Burke, Little Mix and AME.

 

All ages are catered for, from Teddy bear weekends to Captain Jack pirate weeks.

 

Miss the tour and you’ll miss the real story behind the fascinating past residents, some say that some of them still leave a presence and our spooky tours over Halloween really bring the more gruesome and spooky to life.

 

What better way to enjoy the majesty of the royal jubilee than in our fabulous castle during the kings and queens week.

 

What ever the weather whatever the week there is always something to see, enjoy and do. If you can’t decide when to visit then come to them all. A season ticket is the best and most cost effective way to enjoy everything we have on offer, all season long.

 

If this has wetted your appetite for a visit to Powderham see the website which is continually updated to give you the best info.

 

We are also on Facebook and twitter so you can always reach us and share your great Powderham memories.

Your brush with JLS

JLS are performing at the castle on 1st September 2012

JLS are coming to Powderham on 1^st September and we can’t wait!

 

The JLS boys shot to fame in the 2008 X factor final when they came second to Leona Lewis.

 

They went on to have 2 number 1’s immediately with “Beat again” and “Everybody in love” and have won numerous awards.

 

The 4 lads  Ortise Williams, Marvin Humes, JB Gill and Aston Merrygold  are all set to super stardom as their easy going manner with fans and their huge talent continue to shine.

 

So this blog post is all about your brushes with the 4 band members. Have you spoken to them, have you helped them, maybe they spoke to you or danced with you. Share your JLS claims to fame with us all, you never know you may stand out from the crowd when they play at the castle on 1^st September and you may get a second chance.

 

I’ll start you off, I was in a restaurant inLondona couple of years ago and bumped into (literally) Aston. I apologised profusely and he was very kind ( I think I may have actually trodden on the poor man). At the time I had no idea who he was and my friends (who did) were very upset with me for not getting his autograph. I wont do that again.

 

So over to you, can’t wait to hear your brushes with JLS!!

Diary of a Castle Tour Guide . . . Hibernation time?

 

 

I was reminded a few days ago that it was primarily due to enquiries initiated via Twitter that I initially got the Castle Tour Guide job, just 12 short months ago. This Social Media malarkey has a lot to answer for!

So what actually happens in the 5 month period between the Castle closing after Spooky Tours week at the end of October and the brand new season, starting on 1^st. April? Read on . . .

October: As I didn’t mention Spooky Tours in my last posting, I must just say what an absolute blast it turned out to be. I was only in for one day that week (it’s a very popular event with the guides), but got to dress up as Lord Devon’s 150 year old butler (yes, it did take a lot of make-up!) to take a couple of lucky groups round the castle. There were plenty of spooky happenings as we perambulated through the various rooms and I think the guests all enjoyed it as much as I did. One tip for anyone wanting to experience this lunacy next year, all the Spooky Tours the day I was in were fully booked (naturally, he said, with all due modesty!) as, I believe were all the others that week, so it really is necessary to book well in advance.

November/December: A total of three Christmas “Do’s” to attend (these guys at Powderham seem to relish any excuse for a party!) – the Tour Guides lunch at the Orangery Restaurant, up at the Country Store; the main event with Ten pin bowling followed by a meal in a pub in Exeter; and finally drinks & nibbles with Lord and Lady Devon at the Castle! The latter was attended by pretty much the entire estate staff as well as Charles, Lord Devon’s son and heir (apparently widely known as Charlie, but that did seem a tad informal!) together with his wife, AJ, and his kids Joscelyn & Jack, who himself is in line to one day become our 20^th. Earl of Devon!

January: I receive a communication from the Castle inviting me to return for a further year of Tour Guiding – I guess I didn’t do too bad, then! Sadly, during a rather stormy period, one of the 200 year old Oak trees, lining the driveway up to the Castle, fell. But on the positive side, we had our first daffodils out during the first week of the month, which I think is pretty darn early. My TV career takes a boost with an appearance on the episode of Hungry Sailors, featuring Dick and James Strawbridge sailing round the South coast, which had been filmed in the Powderham Food Store about 9 months previously. Sadly this was but a “blink and you’ll miss it” occasion, so not anticipating a significant increase in fan mail.

February: Excellent posting on the blog, featuring an appreciative letter from a visitor who had been on one of my tours and was particularly interested in the spooky goings-on in the castle. It is always great to get such positive feedback but sadly I have to report that my suggestion to the management team that perhaps it shouldn’t be just the bankers who get performance bonuses, seems to have fallen on deaf ears! On the horticultural front, from the beginning of this month the snow drops are beginning to create a magnificent carpet alongside the Castle drive.

March: Digging out my reference materials to refresh the old memory on all those facts & figures that are needed to facilitate the touring process. Staff Training day in on 27^th. March and I am told that we have recruited 3 more willing volunteers into the guiding team. Peter, our Head Guide, now having reached the tender age of 80 is passing on the baton of responsibility to John, who, I believe will be a more than capable replacement (that should get me the pick of the best duties!).

New for this season we have the recently restored Powderham Forge open as well as having TV Gardener Toby Buckland on board, running his online nursery from the walled garden and giving occasional garden tours. Jonty Depp is also back – hurrah! – and will be running Chocolate Factory Fortnight from day 1 of the new season.

Roll on 1^st April!

 

Dave of Kenton.

Spring Watch at Powderham

It may be cold outside and warmer hues may still feel a million miles away but nature’s alarm clock has gone off and our gardens and grounds are bursting into spring.

 

As March appears and  the pinching and punching dies away the flora and fauna quietly begin to brush the winter sleep away and are giving us a lovely show just in time for our April 1^st Opening.

 

Our goose has laid her first egg. A sure sign that the warm weather is to follow. After double and triple checking we have to announce that it is not a golden egg!!

 

The daffodils pop up almost daily. A carpet of gold will await our visitors as they enter the castle grounds. It was Keats that wrote of the splendour of this magnificent bloom, it is difficult not to feel lifted as these amazing blooms sway in the breeze.

 

Our tortoises, Timmy and Eliza have woken up. Our keepers treated them to strawberries and grapes for their first breakfast and they seem very refreshed.

 

The chicks are beginning  to hatch, the hens are clucking around them and by Easter there will be plenty to pet in the walled garden.

 

Ahhh, Spring is here!

Getting Goosebumps at Powderham

If you have been on the tour at the castle you would have heard mention about a couple of our resident ghosts. Here is a fantastic letter from a recent visitor who able to ‘lock in’ to that energy and tell us more about what he learned. We would love to hear from anyone else who has had a similar experience.

My family and I recently enjoyed a visit to your wonderful home, we started with the park tour seeing the deer quite up close at times, the stags were wonderful to see, we were treated to a tour by your guide Dave, he is very good and had a good balance of facts and points of interest for the children –  secret doors and the like .

 

He mentioned a couple of points which i was particularly interested in, those being the grey lady on the landing at the top of the stairs and how even now dogs will not venture into the room, I was able to ”sense” her presence in that corner of the room, Dave also mentioned how a bricked up room was found during alterations with a couple of skeletons inside, this fascinated me as I am in the later stages of training for mediumship, when we got back to our holiday home I was able to link in with the situation in that room, I was able to discern the following.

 

The first thing I got was the name ”Clary” possibly her name, she was a servant girl who had an illegitimate child (girl) by a man who’s name began with the letter R, I believe this man was a friend to the family, not a family member, his parents didn’t know of the birth of the child to their son. George is possibly the father of ”R” , They were a wealthy family.

 

She was a milliner or her surname was Milliner, she was a young teenage girl about 5′ 2” tall with short fair hair and a fair complexion, she was quiet. A shy housemaid perhaps.

 

A girl named Sara was her best friend but she was sent away in a horse and trap never to return to the house.

 

The year 1845 seems relevant to this but I am not sure how.

 

You also have a spirit/energy in the anti room downstairs.

 

Many thanks for taking the time to read this, I do hope there is some good information although I readily admit it is very difficult to check up unless you have had an independent source who comes up with similar information.

Once again many thanks for a  good day out, and thanks to Dave.

 

Roger J Hester.

The Perfect Day Out

 We have been featuring some letters from visitors, here is a most beautiful example and really conjures up the essence of a day at Powderham. The weather is cold and gloomy at the moment but this piece of creative writing really offers the promise of the long summer to come. Enjoy! 

It was a grey Sunday morning and the children had been awake for hours. It was going to be one of those days when the kids become restless and end up arguing. On the spur of the moment, my husband and I decided to take the children to Powderham castle. We hoped there would be sufficient there to keep them occupied for the day.

On our arrival, we were made to feel very welcome. It was an overcast morning with the promise of rain to come, so we decided to start outside.

The first Nature trial started in the car park as a dirt track alongside a meadow. It was a peaceful stroll.  The children ran along shouting out the names of birds and plants they recognised. Along the path edge we discovered brambles, nettles, dock and grasses. Above us beech, birch and holly trees rose. The children picked various leaves to compare.  Periodic signs would inform us of the fauna and flora to look out for. A heron made an ungainly lift off and flew along side us for a while. I had never seen one so close before.

The walled garden was like something out of an old novel. We pushed open the big gates, full of expectation. There in front of us was a treasure trove we could easily lose the day discovering. Chickens, ducks and quail were free roaming.

The children ran, excitedly from hutch to pen, exclaiming about rabbits, chinchillas and ponies. The whole place smelled earthy and familiar, the musky scent of donkey mixed with the fresh dampness of the day. We spotted the fort and the children were off. The sound of their laughter made me smile. I sat down to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and listen to the harmonious animal chatter. Oh, how I had always dreamed of a walled garden. There is something so exquisitely childish and secretive about a hidden place.

Next we took a second Nature trail around the castle wall. From there, the views of the Exe estuary were breathtaking. We caught glimpses of swans between the reeds. The trail led us round to the front of the castle and there we came across the rose garden. What a splendid sight! Roses in all stages of flowering, from bud to falling bloom, filled the beds. It was the most peaceful place, only the sounds of wild birds and bees could be heard. The flowers ranged in colour from bright yellow to deep magenta. I could have spent the entire day in the solitude and calm of that smallEden.

Thedeer parksafari amounted to a tractor and open sided trailer with benches either side. It was starting to turn a little chilly and we wrapped our sweaters tighter around ourselves. The ride was fun in itself, bumping and undulating over the uneven ground and then we spotted the deer. The park is home to 600 fallow deer. We drove up close to them. They were leaping and playing together. The children loved watching them and their excitement was tangible. We drove around the entire perimeter of the castle, through acres of meadow left to grow wild.

On returning from the safari we walked up the path to the castle entrance.

It is a magnificent building and all the more delightful when you know it is still owned by the same family, currently the 18^th Earl and Countess ofDevon. It is steeped with 600 years of history.

Entering the courtyard, we noticed a quaint tearoom with beautiful hanging baskets decorating the doorway. The easy chatter coming from within and the smell of freshly made soup enticed us inside. It was a warm and homely interior, covered with paintings depicting castle scenes and close up photographs of the deer.

The only children on the tour were ours and I was worried that they might get bored. However, our guide excelled at capturing their imaginations. He actively encouraged the children to participate and he adapted his tour to suit them. We moved from one magnificent room to the next, in total awe of the size and incredible décor. The guide described the history, architecture and restoration as though he had personally lived through it. The children became quite spirited when searching for the secret doorways. The rooms were majestic, filled with the most ornate furniture. Enormous portraits adorned the walls.  The ghost stories were spellbinding. The children loved the old nursery, chatting endlessly about the toys and how little they have changed. The grand, medieval staircase was an amazing sight, towering above us in a hall decorated with the most intricate of designs.

I was amazed that our guide had managed to captivate and entertain us all for well over an hour.

After the tour we strolled over to the shop where the children were presented with a medal for their efforts on the Nature Trails.

I looked at the bright, naturally flushed faces of my children and was delighted to see that they were beaming. We had had a most wonderful and exhilarating day.

By Emma Milliner

Saying YES is just the start

Powderham Castle Perfect for A Devon Wedding

Today there will be lots of people saying YES.

Thousands if not Millions of ladies (and chaps, though it’s not a leap year) all over the world will be answering the biggest question of their lives. As their ‘other halves’ take advantage of the romance of February 14th

So today will be the first of lots of decisions and questions before the next really big one; Will you take etc, etc!!

We’d really love to get the wedding communities advice for the newly engaged couples.

What can you recommend, what are the trends, the pitfalls and the sage advice from someone who has experienced many weddings.

Look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Diary of a castle tour guide….The Interview

Have you have ever wondered what it would be like to be a guide at Powderham castle or would like to learn what training is involved? New blogger Dave (of kenton) will, over the next few months, give us insight into this incredily important and varied role.

Maybe you have been on the tour and have a question that you didn’t ask during your visit, use the comment box to ask any questions and he’ll try his best to answer you.

In this first entry, Dave recounts his interview
Ten past Ten on a fine Monday morning, early in February and I am pulling into the Powderham Castle Estate Office car park. The grounds and especially the lake look magnificent on a somewhat unexpectedly sunny day. The crocuses vie with the mole hills for prominence, but both look in imminent danger of being overwhelmed by the massed ranks of daffodils, already building in strength and numbers.
As I only live a couple of miles away in the village of Kenton, I had always planned to walk, or possibly cycle over, but a last minute rethinking of suitable interview wardrobe together with concerns about ruining the efforts put into polishing my shoes proved sufficient excuses to use the car instead. I immediately resolve to do better in future, if, if, if . . .
I find a very friendly Emma in her office, where I am to await my ordeal. She apologises that they are running 10 minutes late with the interviews – is there some EU directive that determines this must always be so? In any case she is frantically busy reissuing licences for the 450 moorings which the Estate are responsible for in the Exe Estuary, running alongside the Castle lands. I note various pictures of the Courtney clan in evidence – there seem to be lots of them!
At precisely 10:40, Clare (Crawshaw), the Estate General Manager comes to fetch me for my grilling. I am taken through to a room which, I realise afterwards, I remember nothing of, other than it containing a large table surrounded by chairs. She introduces me to Peter (Dawkes), the head guide (starting to sound a little Baden-Powell-ish!) who I have previously met as we both have long associations with Kenton – in my case, going back over more than 30 years.
Clare kicks off with a cunning interview technique – I am to give a 2 minute talk about “My favourite day out in Devon”. Fair play, I was warned this would be required when I received the invite for the interview, so had planned for it. I described a wonderful day, last year, when, with my better half, we took out an open-top Morgan sports car, which she had hired as a birthday present for me, in which we criss-crossed Dartmoor. [Unpaid advert – BerryBrook garage in Exminster - £150 for the day, at 2010 prices – brilliant fun!]. I was glad to see they were still both awake at the end of the 2 minutes, so hoped that was a good sign.
Peter explained that there were 12 member s of the Tour Guide team, for which they were looking to recruit just 2 new people for this season and ran through some of their duties. As well as leading the tours (more on this in subsequent posts, as I find out about it) this includes litter picking, selling tickets, providing cover for the tea room and shop, as well as providing pro-active assistance to guests and even restocking the toilets! I tried to fight back mental images involving the simultaneous sweeping of the courtyard with my trusty broomstick.
After what seemed like only a few minutes more, but turned out to be exactly the scheduled half hour, it was all over and with friendly (I hoped!) handshakes all round, I was ushered out.
Sitting at home with a much needed cup of strong coffee at 12:10 the phone rang. It was Peter to advise that they would like to offer me the job and that they were looking forward to seeing me again for the staff training day on Tuesday 29th. March! Crumbs!
And so, the adventure begins . . .

Dressing up takes the Powderham day out on to a new level

Golden Ticket for Powderham?

You don’t need to be a child expert to know that ‘dressing up’ is a brilliant way to develop a child’s imagination. Through ‘role play’ they learn important social and communication skills as well as developing the part of the brain that deals with creativity. It also makes everyone smile and happy. Who can resist a mini super hero, ballerina or fireman happily ensconced in whatever imaginary world they may be in.

As grandparents the Earl and Countess of Devon are passionate about giving children and their parents a wonderful day out and to share in this fantastic historical castle.

“This year we wanted to really offer a new dimension to the ‘Powderham day out”’ said Marketing manager Ingrid Oram, “so we put our thinking caps on to help visitors to really enjoy the day. Hence the theme days were born”

Our hope is that visitors will join in as much or as little as they like, if they are a budding Captain Jack, Robin Hood or Maid Marian then dust out your cutlass’s, dresses and anything else that takes your fancy and join in!

Chocolate Factory Fortnight Chocolate Factory Fortnight (Sunday 10th– Monday 25th April not sat 16th)Meet our very own Willy Wonka throughout the Easter Holidays, Follow the candy trail and create your own sweet treats to take home. No gold ticket required to join the exciting event. Simply dress up and prepare to be amazed.

Pirate Weeks Weeks (Sunday 29th May – Friday 3rdJune, Sunday 31stJuly – Friday 5thAugust and Sunday 21st August – Friday 26thAugust) Ahoy me hearties – Capt Jack Sparrow is back and looking for some crew members to join him for piratey fun. Our ‘own’ Jonty Depp will amaze you with his cheeky ways.

Enchanted dragons Week Enchanted Dragons Week ( Sunday 24th July – Friday 29thJuly) Dress up as your favorite fairytale character for a magical trip into the realm of Dragons, Knights and Witches. Help Sir Drew P Drawers in his quest to find the fire breathing dragon and his encounter with a witch called Hazel.

Teddy bear pic nic weekend: (Sunday 1st & and Monday 2ndMay) Join in the teddy bear fun and games. Meet Big Ted, follow the teddy bear trail to win a prize and spot the teddies on a tour around the castle. Don’t forget to bring your own Teddy too!

Robin Hood Week (Sunday 7thAugust – Friday 12thAugust) Outlaws and Maiden are needed to join Robin’s band of Merry Men, as the hooded hero battles the wicked Sherriff of Powderham and attempts to rescue the beautiful Maid Marian.

Mad Science Week Mad Science Week (Sunday 14thAugust – Friday 19th August) Dr. What and professor Where conduct amazing scientific experiments…sometimes with disastrous (but usually hilarious) results! Have you ever heard a jellybaby squeal? How do you make a fizzy fountain? Come and find out…

Wonderland week Wonderland Week (Saturday 27th August – Friday 2nd September) Don’t be late to join the Mad Hatter for a wonderful week, follow the white rabbit’s trail through the grounds and join the tea party fun and games. Come dressed as your favorite wonderland character.

So if you are looking for some fun days out, grab your costumes, teddies and maybe your own shipmates and join us!

Diary of a Castle Tour Guide . . . Preparation for Staff Training and Castle opening day

In the run-up to castle opening day, our intrepid new blogger and Castle Guide, Dave of Kenton, speculates as to how the staff training day will go, which happens in the run-up to the actual Castle opening for the 2011 season on 1st. April.
As always, any questions or general feedback are very welcome.

The sun continues to shine down on us, here in the glorious Devon countryside – I had thought of starting with “as always, the sun is shining . . .” but didn’t want to lose all credence in the veracity of these notes, so early on in my Blogging career!
So you find me trying to get my head round what it is that awaits me in my new role. Having spent the last 35 years in various technical guises in the IT industry working for very large corporations, this is bound to be a major shift in direction and let me say straight away, all the more welcome for so being. I believe the Estate employ in the region of 70 staff – my last employer had in excess of 100,000!

The next major milestone is the ‘Staff Training day’ and of course the first conundrum – what to wear. Fairly simple for the interview – number 1 suit (OK, so I’ve only got the one, but you get the picture!). The only Job Description I had seen prior to the interview stated “All Guides are expected to be smartly dressed at all times”. Fair enough – no ripped jeans, then. With the offer of the job came the updated version, – this further stipulates “For example dark coloured jacket/ skirt /trousers”. Good to see that they are so open to the possibility of cross-dressing, but I wonder if I’ll need to pop down to Pinder & Tuckwell for a new Frock Coat?
By-the way – I guess this should go under the heading of free adverts– I have heard that the Castle Tea Room is to stock Devonshire Tea products this season. Good to see local firms getting involved and I am really looking forward to whetting my whistle in-between tours, to refresh the old vocal chords. Now if that isn’t enough to warrant a few free samples . . .

So, back to the main topic of this article – the Training day! I have now received an itinerary of what to expect. Item one: ‘Welcome from Simon’. I must say just how much I am really looking forward to this particular item. Actually, to be honest, I had no idea who Simon was until I did a bit of detective work and discovered that there is a Simon Fishwick, who is apparently the Powderham Estate Director, so I’m guessing this must be him. Now you can see why I made a point of saying how much I was looking forward to it. I’m not as daft as I look and, given that Emma has now posted my photo on the Blog, you will appreciate just how fortunate that is!
Some fairly standard fare follows, such as Fire drills and Safety discussions. Actually I am a keen supporter of these endeavours and have been a fully trained First Aider for more than 20 years now. So if any young ladies feel faint during a tour, fear not, I know all the appropriate techniques for correctly loosening clothing. Sorry, what? Oh, OK and the same would obviously go for gentlemen. I do sometimes think this sexual equality malarkey is getting taken just a tad too far!
Then we have a talk about specific activities/events occurring during the season, led by Simon (sterling fellow, did I already mention?) and Ingrid (Powderham’s Marketing Manager and therefore, obviously, also a sterling fellow!). This is followed by a presentation on sculpture and plasterwork in the South West and then an item about the Powderham archives. As I have a keen interest in local history, I’m looking forward to both. As a brief aside, I can heartily recommend the Crowner John series of books by Bernard Knight, to anyone with any interest in the general history of the area and its people in the late 12th. Century. Whilst these are works of fiction, they are based on actual people living in and around Exeter and give a great feel for how life was lived in those days – and there is mention of the Courtenay family (It’s OK – I’ve checked – nothing scandalous)!
Last item of the day: ‘Tea with Lord and Lady Devon’ – oh my word! Is it ‘My Lord’ or ‘Your Grace’? Is Debrettes available online these days to offer guidance? Is it possible that they read these blogs? This might turn out to be the quickest sacking since the Castle was caught up in the English Civil War.
Should I still be around, he said, with more hope than expectation, I, or one of my colleagues, look forward to welcoming you to the new season at Powderham, starting on the first of April (honestly, no joke!) and helping make your tour of the Castle as enjoyable as we possibly can.

Powderham Castle’s Historic Organ Saved – a local success story

About 18 months ago, a Charitable Trust was formed to save the historic organ which stands majestically at the end of the James Wyatt Music Room in Powderham Castle. After 250 years it had fallen into serious disrepair, unplayable for almost a century. Yet it was identified by the National body which lists our musical heritage as, ‘a fine instrument by Brice Seede, 1769′ and ‘of importance to the national heritage and one deserving careful preservation for the benefit of future generations’.

The Trust worked tirelessly to raise funds for the restoration. They were helped by the backing of the Courtenay family and by several small but significant grants from other charitable trusts and individuals. In particular, they were encouraged by the huge support of local people – you – who have been coming to sold-out concerts with unfailing enthusiasm.

At the interval of the last concert, it was announced that, after the Trust had raised one third of the sum needed, a major funder, the Country Houses Foundation, had stepped in and offered all the rest.

A condition of the grant is that the Trustees continue to promote concerts, so that the organ and its wonderful venue are shared and enjoyed by all of us for the conceivable future. Until the restoration is complete, the organ will play a relatively minor role, accompanying quietly in the background – a task it can now manage after some initial repairs.

The next concert on Friday May 6th. will consist of flute quartets by Mozart, a serenade by Reger for flute and strings, and Dvorak’s delightful ‘Bagatelles’ for strings and harmonium. This role will be given to the organ – (before its restoration of course: after restoration it would feel insulted at being given such a task!)

One further item in the programme is very special indeed. Judith Hall is our distinguished flautist – she was previously principal flute of Covent Garden and now an international soloist. She heard a very beautiful piece by the Polish-born Andreij Panufnik, originally for voice and strings and asked Panufnik’s daughter, also now a famous composer in her own right, to arrange it for her. So you have the chance to hear this specially-commissioned – and very accessible – piece, here in the Powderham Castle Music Room.

The performers are: Judith Hall – flute, George Pratt – ‘harmonium’, and members of the Divertimento Ensemble.

Tickets for the concert on May 6th. at 7.30pm are available now from Powderham Castle, 01626 890243, at £14.
With only 120 seats available, it’s advisable to book as early as you can.

The opening of Powderham Castle through the eyes of Ollie aged 9

I went to the castle with my Mum and older brother Freddie. As it was the first day of the school holidays I wanted to watch TV not go round a boring old castle. But apparently I had to go. I was able to wear fancy dress though as apparently someone special was going to open the castle today.

When we arrived we drove down a really long drive. Next to the car were lots of daffodils and as we got closer the castle got bigger and bigger. The castle is just like the one in my books, with a turretts and lots of windows, i can imagine soldiers on look out in the olden days.

My Mum has to stop for tea every 5 minutes so we stopped at the cafe and had a hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows, as it was quite cold this was really yummy and warming. Suddenly I saw an amazing man with orange hair and a painted face and a long velvet jacket, it was the mad hatter from Alice in Wonderland (i’m sure it was) he came into the cafe and started laughing at us and pouring our tea. He was really funny.

We all followed him out and he made a speech and told us that the castle was open, he knocked on the door 3 times and the massive red doors opened slowly all by themselves, well that was what it looked like to me.

We had our photo taken with him and the Queen of hearts who promised not to chop off our heads that day and he did some crazy impressions. My favourite was captain Jack from Pirates of the Carribean, he was very good at voices. A I was dressed as a pirate he had a sword fight with me.

We then went on the tour with John. At first I thought the tour would be a bit boring but when John got me and my brother to open all the secret doors and count the Dolphins round the fireplaces and in the rooms I started to really enjoy it. My favourite bit was the WW11 helmet, I really like learning about the war and couldn’t believe it when I saw the helmet with the bullett hole in it, we all laughed at the poem, Devon born and Devon bred, thick in the arm and thick in the head. I was alittle dissapointed we didn’t see any of the ghosts though, I would have liked to have been a little bit scared.

We then had to stop again, mum had a cream tea which she said was lovely and we walked up to the play area which is massive. We played in the fort and on the zip wire and saw all the chickens and geese, one of them chased me a bit which was really funny.

Luckily we were there in time to go on the Deer safari, we were pulled along in a massive wagon by the biggest tractor we have ever seen, the wheels were as big as me!

We went over the grass and we were all bumped around as the safari goes off the road and into the park were the Deer get really close. They were amazing and didn’t seem to mind us driving all around them. From the middle of the park you can see all the way over to Exmouth and Topsham. The trip was really interesting and it was like Lord Devon was talking to us about the trees and the castle and all the different owners it has had.

It was then time to go and we waved goodbye to John and Dave at the gate and stopped into the store at the end of the drive. We bought bread and cake and tasted some amazing oils and vinegar.

I have asked if we can go again. I definitely want to go back when Captain Jack is there, I wonder if my beard will grow?

Diary of a Castle Tour Guide . . . Here we go . . .

Difficult to believe it is only a month since I last put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard, to be more precise) as so much seems to have happened – although the name badges for new staff have still not arrived so I remain the Guide with no name! Can’t pretend it has been non-stop sunshine (literally as well as figuratively) but far more bright days than dull ones and the people here are all so friendly. Whilst the daffodils may now be fading, the Wisteria on the Castle walls and the occupants of the Rose Garden are eagerly waiting to burst forth. A lesson in life here, methinks!
Our initial pre-season get together day was a mixture of formalities and fun. We were shown all the fire escapes from the castle (of which there are many, so my advice if an alarm should be heard whilst on a tour don’t just leg it – wait to see which way the Guide runs and follow them) and got to let off various types of fire extinguisher. We had a fascinating demonstration of how Rococo sculptures are created by a guy who repairs them and I can now see how it took nine man-years to create the ones in the Stairway Hall in the Castle. Finally it was time for tea with Lord & and Lady Devon. I strolled into one of the private rooms to find a table laden with cakes & and sarnies and was greeted with a cup of tea and waited for the grand entrance. Simon (Estate Manager chappie) came over and said, Dave, have you met Lord & and Lady Devon – introducing me to the couple who were pouring the tea and who I had taken to be helpers from the kitchen – great start! I actually had a long chat with them and they are both extremely friendly and really interested in the people who work for them (I don’t think either of them read the Blog, so I’m not just saying this to keep in their good books!).
So the opening day of the new season arrives and I am due to be shadowing the experienced guides for a couple of weeks, before I will be allowed to start contributing to the tours, which is very sensible, as there is so much to learn. One of the guys I was with on the first day said he believed it would be easy to talk for 3 hours about the castle, as opposed to the 1 hour each tour is scheduled to last. I thought at the time he was exaggerating but within a few days realised this would be perfectly possible. So I have been frantically making copious notes and studying the various sources of information available, thinking all the time this must be similar to the trainee London taxi drivers working to gain ‘The Knowledge’.
Day one was also when I got to see Jonty Depp in action for the first time as he formally opened the Castle. I had met him briefly before he went into action as the Mad Hatter and he is a really nice chap (and, yes, he does read the Blog, so I would say that, wouldn’t I), as is his lovely assistant, the Queen of Hearts, which I think is why they interact so well with the kids – I think the little ones are good at spotting natural talent. Subsequently they have been presenting the Chocolate Factory Fortnight, which appears to be very popular, although I seem to have missed out on sampling the wares, so far (subtle hint!).
As mentioned previously, being a Tour Guide isn’t all glamour as I confirmed very early in my new career. As well as running tours we get allocated other duties, such as manning the ‘Welcome Hut’, in which we spend half a day at a time selling tickets and ice creams, doing litter picking, providing cover for the Gift Shop and Tea Rooms, as required and opening up the various rooms visited on the Castle tours at the start of each day and secure them again at the end. Oh yes, nearly forgot the really exciting bit – we also get to raise and lower the flag! Great fun until you discover that you have to climb a 30 foot iron ladder up the side of the top section of the main tower to get to the flag pole – not one for the faint hearted, I can assure you, but fabulous views!
I also got to join the ‘Deer Park Safari’ on the afternoon of our opening day which to be honest I had thought might be a tad dull, but turned out to be great fun. It is a 40 minute tour in a tractor-pulled trailer in which we got to see the deer up really close, different aspects of the Castle and grounds, terrific views the Exe Estuary (you can see Topsham in one direction and where the river joins the sea at Exmouth in the other) and Belvedere Tower, which was specifically built to take advantage of the views. As a bonus, I got to meet the lovely Emma, who runs the Powderham Blog site as well as interacting on Twitter and Facebook, who was visiting that day and went on the same safari trip, with her 2 boys. By-the-way, please don’t tell Ollie (see previous blog by him) but when the Mad Hatter knocked on the Castle doors, they didn’t actually open by magic – it was me!
Last week I came out of the Gift shop, early one morning and bumped into Lord Devon, getting into his car. Having not really thought through such an encounter, I was initially dumbstruck, not knowing whether to bow, tug my forelock or what the correct form of address might be. I eventually managed a rather week “Hiya!” to which he kindly responded with “Hello, there”, much to my relief.
So we are now a couple of weeks into the new season. As a part-timer, I have now completed 5 days and shadowed 5 castle tours – (one I joined part way through, having been asked to help out on the ticket desk for a busy half hour period). After another couple of days, I expect to be working with another guide, probably doing the chat for just a couple of rooms, before ultimately being allowed to run my own sessions. Whilst there is still plenty to learn, I am feeling more confident already, so – bring it on!
Latest News – When I was leaving last week, Peter, the head guide, asked if I was up for working occasionally in the Victorian Kitchen, which has recently been renovated and used for school visits and is now to become an additional part of the Castle experience. He did explain that this would require dressing up for the part, which I said I was game for. However, it was only as I wended my weary way home that the penny dropped – all the pictures I have seen of the kids in the kitchen show them accompanied by a lady dressed as a Victorian cook! Well I’m not shaving the beard off and that’s final!

More tips from the top table… Royal Wedding Preparations

We are busy putting the finishing touches to our wedding cake which we will be serving to any visitors tomorrow after 1pm (don’t forget we will not be open until then)

We will be enjoying the pomp and ceremony and rasing a glass of something sparkly as Catherine and William become man and wife and turn the page on another chapter of Royal History.

How are your preparations going for tomorrow’s Royal Wedding? Do you need any help from our fantastic community of wedding and event planners? Join us here and add your questions and share your ideas.

If you are working tomorrow we hope you have fun, if you are sharing the ‘free’ day with friends and family enjoy the day. You may not feel it now but in 20 years time you will remember what you did so make it count…..

Meet the Neighbours

If you go down to the walled garden today you are sure of a big surprise….

At every twist and turn you will find it filled with new life of the fur and feathered variety. We are also asking for your help with a very important task.

But first our cleverest neighbour, Kinder, a Dartmoor Hill pony who until last year was running on Dartmoor. He received his name as he was a total surprise when he was born and Kinder means child in German, He is a very talented performer and loves to do tricks, including flag flying and jumping through hoops. He has been trained by Vanesa Bee, a professional trainer with Horse Agility club of Great Britain. Next week he will be the star of the show at Devon’s big day out, The Devon County Show.

How cute is ‘Bernard’ the guinea pig, our most chilled out resident. He loves to be petted and stroked and is always grateful for a handful of clover or a tasty dandelion. If you don’t have a pet at home why not pop in to see Bernard he’ll be very happy you did.

Now a bit of sad news, believe it or not someone really mean stole our incubator over Easter including some of the eggs from our precious Golden Pheasants. It had been a really exciting time for us as the female was new to Powderham and just as she began to lay this rotten act happened. All the staff and regular visitors were incensed that someone would be so cruel. We had to send the rest of the eggs off site to be incubated.

Have you heard the tale of the ugly duckling? Well we have had our own version of the famous Hans Christian Anderson story. Some new ducklings have been hatched under a very bossy Chicken. Their own mother rejected the eggs (maybe because they had also been tampered with) we placed them under one of our older chickens and she sat on them night and day. They are now hatched and the sight of the ducks following the chicken around is heart warming.

For those who like their pets to be a bit less furry and a bit more prickly here is our resident pet hedgehog, we are also very much obliged to Huffle Puff who’s special treat is meal worms.

Finally how you can help us. We need a name for our beautiful pair of Golden Pheasants. Because we are involved in Social Media, such as Twitter and facebook,we thought Mr and Mrs Twitter would be good names, but we think you can come up with something better than that. So contact us by either Twitter, Facebook or comment on this blog by 27th May. The names chosen by our walled garden team will receive a family Season Ticket to Powderham which means you can come and visit them as many times as you like for the rest of the season. Good luck!!.

can you name our Golden Pheasants

Diary of a Castle Tour Guide . . . Flying solo

Our intrepid new Tour Guide, Dave of Kenton, eases gently into the saddle. Another month on and many new developments – primarily that only two days after my last post (neither of which involved me picking up more knowledge by shadowing other guides) I got 10 minutes’ notice that I would be flying solo – taking my own tour without even the safety net of another guide as back-up! All seemed to go OK, however and one kind chap at the end said that I shouldn’t have bothered to say in the introduction that I was still a trainee, as I had sounded so knowledgeable! So what else is worth sharing with you? I have been up to the Walled Garden a couple of times, whilst litter picking, to see Maria and her menagerie of little (and some not so little) animals in the pets corner. So cute – and the animals are pretty nice, too! Whilst the Walled Garden is brilliant for the kids, with the massive Courtenay Fort, zip wire and other play items, if you want to find a little peace and quiet, the real tip is to carry on to the Woodland Garden. Here the spring flowers are in top form at the moment, the views across to Haldon Forest superb and the open water in the leat for the sawmill (which is huge and looks more like a canal!) adds perfectly to the tranquillity of the place. Two totally contrasting events relating to sessions in the Mad House (sorry, Welcome Hut) where we sell day tickets, authenticate tickets for free readmission (don’t forget, if you visit us, to get this done before you leave – this can be done at the Gift Shop too), sell Ice Creams (four flavours of Magnum and did you know there is now a Smartie filled lolly?) and issue season tickets (which can also be done at the Gift Shop – hint, hint!). Just after finishing my morning shift, I had helped point a coach party in the direction of the Castle courtyard and was strolling back to cover the gift shop lunch break, prior to running two tours in the afternoon (please, no sympathy, we do it for the love of the job – at least that’s what they keep telling me!). As the coach is reversing back, the group leader leans out of the window and shouts across – “one of the ladies in the group likes the look of you – REALLY likes you!” And even more scary than that, last weekend, whilst again manning the Happy Hut, at the 11:00 rush I discover the Credit Card machine is not responding. Trying to summon help, I also discover the phone is similarly knackered. A coincidence – I think not, but am stuck for over an hour before I eventually summon help on my mobile, all the time trying to persuade visitors how much more appropriate to a medieval castle environment, good old fashioned cash transactions are. As mentioned last time, during the main school holidays we are now opening the Victorian Kitchen as a stand-alone attraction, which gives us Tour Guides another task, as we take turns to man it for half a day at a time. Sadly (or possibly not, if you have ever seen my knees) I didn’t get to dress up as a cook, but had a proper chef’s outfit. One wag suggested that I looked like I had just come from the restaurant at Claridges, but despite its modern look, I am assured that it is an authentic Victorian one. As I didn’t know in advance that I was to be given this opportunity, I didn’t have a camera with me that day, but will endeavour to grab a picture next time and give you all a laugh. Give me tours anytime! Talking of which, we are encouraged to point the groups we take round the castle to the Visitors comments book at the end of each tour. I am delighted to say that I have already had many positive items of feedback, including one from a very keen 10 year old lad, which read simply “Thanks Dave”. However I have to say the best feedback so far came from a lady who left a note embellished with a portrait of our Sovereign Lady in my astonished hand. Possibly even more spooky than this was a subsequent tour when, at its end, another lady with just the suspicion of an American accent, suggested that the way I had taken the tour reminded her of Hugh Laurie in the program House. She did hasten to add that that was meant to be a compliment, but I am still trying to figure if she meant I was grumpy or just appeared to walk with a limp! And at last I have my name badge, so there really is no hiding place. If you have enjoyed the blogs and come to the castle, I am the one with “Dave” on the badge – do say hello. If you haven’t enjoyed the blogs, look for the guy with “Henry” on his!

Top tips from the potting shed

David Palmer tending to the Powderham Castle Roses

David Palmer our head gardener shares a few Powderham secrets

Devon residents may have seen the Express and Echo article about our wonderful Roses at PowderhamCastle. It was also a revelation for many experienced and not so experienced gardeners that the roses at Powderham are kept so prolific partly due to a lack of watering. With hose pipe bans imminent many gardeners were jumping for joy; David is keen to point out before you stop watering your blooms that the Powderham roses need little watering due to the huge amount of well rotted manure that they are regularly fed (there is plenty of that at our disposal!!)

We thought it would be a great idea to bring you some insight on the man behind the lawnmower. Our very own self taught gardener David Palmer who is 41 and married with 2 children.

David’s ‘green fingers’ were inspired by his father who had a market garden and a greengrocers shop before running a small farm. David followed in his Dad’s muddy boots and attended BictonCollege.

In 1998 he successfully got a job as a Powderham under gardener and became Head gardener 6 years ago when the old head gardener retired. There is not a fast turnover of staff at Powderham!

The Gardening teams job is a constant balancing act, they have to work around the visitors but also ensure the plants get what they need when they need it. The majority of jobs are on a really large scale; the wisteria in the Rose Garden has to be trimmed with a ‘cherry picker’ and the area cordoned off  for the safety of our visitors. According to experts, it should be pruned  in July/August and then again in January/February, But we just do it the once in September/October so we don’t interfere with the visitors enjoyment of the blooms and access to the grounds.

David says his favorite job is cutting the grass. There is certainly a lot of it to mow every week between February and November. He has some  help  in the form of a ride on mower and Robert, one of the under gardeners. The precise stripes on the lawn are achieved by a roller and a lot of patience.

David’s Top Tips

1. Dead-head bedding plants regularly so they flower for a longer period. We have masses of blooms in boxes and hanging baskets outside the Tea Room and Gift Shop; as well as the Welcome Hut and WalledGarden. Not to mention the large urn in the Rose Garden and 7 tubs along the main road at the entrance. Phew! That’s a lot of dead-heading but well worth it when you see the fantastic results week after week.

2. Take pictures of your flowers and plants in bloom to refer to when planting season comes round; then you know where they will come up. We do this for planting daffodils here, but it is a good tip for any garden.

3. Beware of bluebells!  Make sure you don’t mistake them for grass – The young plants look like grass and it is easy to mow over them which would be a terrible shame.  - (this is where pictures are useful)

4. Leaves – Use them for mulching –  Powderham has a lot of leaves falling in the autumn and these are gathered and mulched down and mixed with the horse manure. This is really excellent stuff, the garden loves it and rewards us year after year. He mulches all the beds annually in the winter (on a dry day for obvious reasons!)

5. Pests and Diseases - Use natural methods to keep them at bay– Powderham is an established natural environment and we are fortunate enough not to get many pests and diseases. We get ‘black spot’ occasionally at the end of the season. If we do we use a fungicidal spray on the roses before mulching. However the best way is to let nature manage it for you – if left alone it keeps a natural balance, for example, Ladybirds eat the greenfly so we make sure our garden is attractive to them as well as bees and butterflies. Use insecticides only as a last resort, when you start this process you have to continue as the natural cycle has been broken.

6. Daffodil leaves should not be cut back until the leaves turn yellow – the leaves create energy for the following season. The problem on the Estate is that yellow daffodil leaves look unsightly for our visitors when the Castle opens in the spring. Our Daffodils are re-planted in September /October, this year David plans to plant in excess of 2000 bulbs.

7. Water  Don’t over water –  The best tip, especially those on a water meter and with the impending hose pipe ban, is to let the plants tell you when they need watering. Watering becomes a habit that unfortunately makes plants lazy as they won’t send their roots so far to find water.

Happy Gardening. If you have some top tips to share we would love to hear them.

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Treat Dad to a day out he’ll remember

What are your plans for Fathers day? As Devon’s foremost family day out we are planning a really special day that the whole family, whatever their age can enjoy.

Powderham Castle hits the spot for Fathers DAy

Treat Dad to a day out he’ll remember at Powderham Castle this Sunday. All Dads are invited to visit for FREE, when accompanied by a paying child. They will love to test their accuracy skills with archery and the thrill of handling a bird of prey.

 

We are planning a really lovely day for all the family, but particularly with Dads in mind. As well as receiving complimentary admission he will be able to indulge his “hunter/gatherer” spirit too.

 

Hawkridge Birds of Prey will be here with their family of majestic birds. Have you ever held an eagle owl or a sparrow hawk?  Be in awe of their sharp eyesight, see their razor-like talons up close and feel the power of their wings. Dad will also find out what the term ‘under the thumb’ really means!

 

Why not have a go at archery with Exeter Company of Archers who will be on hand to instruct and pass on their amazing archery skills. It’s not as hard as it looks…to fire the arrow – hitting the target is another matter!

Simon Fishwick, Estate Director:

‘The Castle is the perfect place to celebrate Fathers Day. It will be a day of ‘boys with their outdoor toys’ and great fun for all the family. We are so fortunate to have these wonderful outdoor pursuits on our doorstep in Devon.’

All the usual attractions are open as normal, including regular guided tours around the stunning Castle rooms, Deer Park Safaris on the tractor trailer, friendly animals, an adventure play castle, nature trail and treasure trails.

 

We look forward to seeing you. Happy Fathers Day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4 Generations visit the castle

When William Laws asked his daughter Grace, where she would like to go  for her birthday he was quite surprised to hear her say Powderham Castle. Apparently she had been there on a school trip a few months before and had loved it.  As they planned their trip to celebrate the very important 3^rd Birthday Granny and Great Grandma said they would like to come along too.

William, an enthusiastic user of social media for his chimney sweeping and woodburning stove business, contacted us through Twitter to ask if we had a wheelchair for Great Granny as she was worried about walking around the castle and grounds.

At Powderham we love to help people make their days special and were delighted that the 4 of them were visiting. We are very proud that our castle attracts lots of different age groups, we are a family home afterall and want people to feel ‘at home’ here.

William shared some great pictures on Facebook and told us that  “Grace enjoyed the tour and loved to see the old fashioned toys in the playroom and most of the tour was accessible to granny who is not as solid on her feet as she once was!”

After lunch in the café, a play on the fort and some time in the walled garden, they all went home happy. Even the changeable weather didn’t take away the smiles.

If you have a story to tell about your visit to Powderham please contact us. If you have photo’s of your special day we would love to see them on facebook and hear about your day on twitter. If you share your day with us you will be entered in to a monthly draw to win a family ticket.

We want to make your visit as memorable as possible so if we can help in any way, just ask!

Powderham Castle is a home from home for families

Diary of a Castle Tour Guide . . . The Lull before the storm?

Join in the Fairytale fun at Powderham Castle

Whilst the Wisteria blooms may have now faded the roses are blooming lovely!

With the notable exception of the hectic half-term period (Pirate Week, end of May / beginning of June – another Jonty Depp spectacular!), visitor numbers over the last few weeks have been reasonably steady. We have had coach parties in on most days, which has kept things ticking over nicely, but the experienced guides keep telling me that the six week period from 24^th July through to the 2^nd September is when things will really get lively. Having now seen the initial schedule for July, in which I am down to be working for 11 days (more than double the predicted number for June) it looks like things are going to start building towards that quite quickly.

A quick reminder about the beautiful flowers, scenic views and general tranquillity that can be enjoyed in our Woodland garden and a suggestion that if you want to enjoy this Spring Garden, please come soon as it is available until 1^st August.

So, what excitement has befallen our new Guide since our last communication? Friday’s are often one of our quietest days, as we have our last tour at 2:30 (to allow time to set up for weddings, which are frequently scheduled to happen on Saturdays). One such occasion, towards the end of May found our correspondent doing the late shift in the Welcome Hut (ticket box to you and me!). Around 2 o’clock and things are looking rather quiet when, all of a sudden, a large crowd of what turn out to be Dutch tourists, come walking over the bridge coming down from the Country Store. They tell me they have a couple of hours spare before their coach takes them on to their next destination and would like to look round the castle. Looking to turn this into a prime sales opportunity, I offer them group rates for 2 dozen to go round the castle and another dozen to just walk the grounds (an out-of-holiday season option). In one swift move I must have made a significant contribution to our takings for the day and am still awaiting my Salesman of the Month bonus!

Another day, another tour – earlier in May with a small group of about 10 people, including a keen young lad, asking plenty of probing questions, with his Dad. At the end of the tour, Dad comes over to say how much they had both enjoyed the tour and how he had been worried that his son wouldn’t have wanted to stay for the full tour, as he suffers with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, so is easily bored. I can honestly say that I was very touched to get such fulsome feedback on my humble efforts.

Early June and a lovely evening out after work at the Ship Inn in Cockwood to celebrate the forthcoming wedding of one of our Guides, Pamela to the very handsome Steve (well, he was paying for the rather scrumptious grub which they had laid on!). Best wishes for a great future together to the both of them.

Given that it has been so unusual, I must comment on the remarkable weather we have been enjoying. Given that we normally we expect Spring showers and lots of them around this time of the year, I can’t remember such a long dry and frequently sunny and warm period. Sadly the unpredictability of our weather is still evident as discovered by a party of 40 Twinners with their French guests who visited us for a picnic in the Grounds on the Sunday when the Heavens finally opened and we got a month’s rain in one go! Whilst we arranged to open the oldRidingSchoolbuilding so they could be out of the worst of it, they took the decision to abandon it and go to the pub instead. British resolve at its best!

Final word must go to the young girl (probably about four or five) who was waiting in the courtyard for one of my tours to start last Sunday. I was having a chat with her Mum, whist waiting for a few others to arrive when she suddenly announced “You’re a REAL Pirate, aren’t you?”. I had no option but to confess that yes, I was and would be reporting for duty on my ship as usual at 9.00 on Monday morning for a full week of pirating. She then went on to explain this in great detail to all the others who joined our group. Eat your heart out, Captain Jack Sparrow!

If this turns out to be my final Blog and I appear to have disappeared from the face of the Earth, then can I suggest that the Enchanted Dragons are questioned closely? That Jonty can hold a mighty fierce grudge!

Run for Charity!

A great backdrop for a good cause

The second annual FORCE & Francis Clark 10K run in aid of theExeterbased cancer charity takes place on Sunday 11th September and has already attracted over 200 runners.  We are now calling for more entries to reach a total of 500 runners on the day.  I would encourage everyone who runs to consider entering this event.  It must have the most picturesque course of any cross-country event and generates a wonderful family atmosphere.

The run starts in the beautiful grounds ofPowderhamCastle, meanders along a pathway out of the estate and along to the main road. From there it passes Starcross Yacht Club and St Clement’s Church before entering Powderham woods and returning down a woodland track to the Castle.

The main, chip-timed, 10K run for runners of all abilities will be followed by a family fun run where parents are invited to join their children on their own 2K course.

FORCE relies entirely on voluntary contributions to fund its work in research, the purchase of advanced equipment and running the cancer support and information centre at theRoyalDevon & ExeterHospital.

Last year we raised over £15,000, this year we aim to exceed this, but we need your help!

The event starts at 10.45 am on Sunday, September 11, in the castle grounds with a pre-race warm up with the main run commencing at 11.00 am.  The 2K family run takes place after the main race has started and there will be refreshments available.

To book a place visit:  FORCE or call 01392 402875.

We look forward to seeing you there!

What a week!

There are some marvellous comings and goings at the castle.

Last week saw Robin hood and his merry men try and defeat the evil sheriff of Powderham.

Here’s some great video’s from the week. Lots more going on during the rest of the holidays.

Sunday 14th August- 19th August Mad Science Week

Sunday 21st August – 26th August Pirate Week

Last chance to see captain Jack Sparrow and join in with the pirate tomfoolery. OOhAagh!

Saturday 27th August – Friday 2nd September Wonderland Week

Don’t be late to see the mad hatter and follow the elusive white rabbit’s trail through the grounds.

Look forward to seeing you.

Safari Devon

Deer rutting is a very important time in the Powderham calendar.

Buck Fallow Deer relaxing in the grounds of magnificent Powderham castle (Amber Green Photography)

If you have not visited or have not been on theDeer parkSafari then there is a very special offer at the end of this article.

The rutting season is when the strongest male in the herd gathers all the females in preparation for the mating season. The other males of course, are having none of this and fight for the right and superiority.

The stags lock horns and push back and forward gaining territory and proving to each other and the rest of the herd their strength and vigour.

All this is very macho and in the human world would be totally unacceptable however in the world of nature it is spectacular.

At Powderham we have a herd of around 650 Fallow Deer and you can get really close on our Deer Park Safari’s which is only an extra £2 when you purchase a day ticket.

On our Safari’s we take you on our custom built tractor and trailer and get you up close and personal with these magnificent animals. It is totally safe and you are in the ever watchful eye of our excellent driver. This is an excellent time to take a safari round the deer park, the deer are much braver and the rutting instinct makes them ‘hold their ground’ meaning the safari tours can get a much better view and get much closer to the animals.

Simon Fishwick our Estate Director says,      “Everyone associated with the herd here at Powderham are very proud, rutting season is a time that we look forward to as it shows that the herd is well and will be going forward stronger into the next season, it is a privilege to share it with our visitors”

Special offer

If you would like to visit especially for the Deer safari then every Thursday in October we are offering a cream teadeer parksafari at 2.30pm extended ‘Rutting’ tour for £10. You will enjoy a cream tea in our award winning tea room and then join the safari where you are free to take pictures and enjoy this amazing natural phenomenon as well as the extended grounds which cannot be seen on foot which are particularly resplendent with autumnal colour. We know interest in this extra special event will be very high as there are very few places in the world where you can get this close to so many of these magnificent creatures so booking is essential on 01626 890243 (Monday to Friday during office hours) Please note you are welcome to visit any time after 11am and take the cream tea when you choose. The special safari will take place at 2.30pm.

Proud of Powderham Castle's herd of 650+ Fallow Deer

Diary of a Castle Tour Guide . . . Touring at warp factor 9

Well, I can say I wasn’t warned by the experienced Guides that peak season was going to be much busier than the first few months. For the 6 weeks between July 24^th and September 2^nd  our opening hours extended by an hour to 5:30 pm; tour frequency increased from 7 per day (every 45 mins) to 11 (every 30 mins) and of the 37 days we were open (including one Bank Holiday weekend Saturday) I worked 30 of them.  The good news was that there was a new dedicated ice cream hut installed, so we no longer had to sell lollies, but the bad news was that the Victorian Kitchen was to be an additional “stand-alone” feature, requiring we Guides to man it for ½ a day at a time. This in addition to doubling up manning of the Welcome Hut (ticket booth) during busy hours and, of course, litter picking, provided plenty of scope for keeping us well occupied.

In the week before this I almost managed to cause one luckless guest a heart attack whilst covering the gift shop at lunchtime, when I tried to charge them 3 ½ grand for two small items. Whilst this would have proved a welcome boost to takings, I quickly realised that I had simply entered £3.50 twice, without the till spotting that this was for 2 items – obviously the till’s fault, not mine!

So, Highlights from those frantic 6 weeks:

24/07 Enchanted Dragons week enhanced by the appearance of 2 large Chinook Helicopters – apparently they only managed to avoid hitting the castle when our resident witch turned them away with her wand!

03/08 Sadly, just as we are getting into the swing of the new schedules, Peter, our Head Guide, took a fall and had to be off work for a couple of weeks. This required rapid reworking of rotas to provide cover but did mean the VictorianKitchen reverted to being unmanned (albeit added on to the end of tours, so guests didn’t miss out).

04/08 – A fascinating question from one of the guests on my tour today – “Do you ever appear in Panto?”. Hopefully this reflected the spirited manner in which I endeavour to run my tours, rather than suggesting I looked like a bloke dressed as a woman. And for those who don’t know, yes, I have been both appearing in and producing pantomimes in Kenton for about 14 years now – Oh yes I have! Book your seats now for this year’s presentation of Mother Goose, Oct. 27^th – 29^th.

07/08 – Another day dawns and I’m whizzing through the courtyard just before opening time, when I notice a chap strolling in my general direction. Not recognising him and thinking he may be involved with the archery event being held that day, I greeted him with a friendly “Hello, mate”! Later, down in the Guides room, I am advised to keep an eye out, as Charles Courtenay (son & heir) is in the Castle today and I start to think – had I actually seen that face before in a number of family photos around the place?

08/08 Great news – managed to blag a whole box of Devonshire Tea from the lovely ladies in the Tea Room today. Had previously been surviving on handfuls of other teabags, not of theDevonshirevariety, which had been sent over. Many thanks to Gavin and the team for creating such a reviving brew!

16/08 Whilst it has not been unusual to spot either Lord or Lady Devon on occasions around the Castle from time to time, today I bumped into his Lordship 3 times. The last of which was in the gents by the Estate offices. Even though I had studied Debretts web site to check for the correct forms of address in various scenarios, this one had me somewhat tongue tied! Fortunately, in his usual friendly manner, he simply commented on the need to get the paintwork attended to.

16/08 Got my 1^st. First Aid call for assistance today. As usual, adrenaline levels rising rapidly as I go to check. Proves to be an older gent with a bee sting on his chest. Fortunately he is relaxed about it and has no previous history of adverse reactions to such attacks (potentially anaphylactic shock scenario, for those in the know) and apart from the soreness, has no other symptoms, so advise he goes down to local pharmacy (5 min drive away)to get appropriate medication, which he was happy to comply with.

19/08 Tours varying considerably in numbers now, frequently depending on whether they clash with the Themed Week events for each day. Today I hit my record number – 61 people in 1 tour. Difficult to converse clearly with such a number, let alone the practical issues involved in navigating them round the 12 rooms we visit, within the allotted 60 minutes. Have heard rumours of tours in previous years with in excess of 100 people on them – nightmare scenario!

26/08 Happily (!) selling tickets in the Welcome Hut this morning when a bloke asked what time my next tour was going to be. He explained that the family had come for a return visit and that his kids had told him how much they had enjoyed my tour previously, so he wanted the same Guide. Modesty forbids any further comment, other than that I was really touched. If only I got as much positive feedback as we have heard for Jonty and his team – both kids and adults alike praising the fantastic themed week shows they put on throughout the 6 weeks – and rightly so!

27/08 Bank Holiday Saturday, but the peak season finishing line is now in sight – what could possibly go wrong? Well, the sign of diggers as I walked up to the Castle didn’t bode well. Apparently one of the Victoriandrains had collapsed the previous evening, cutting off water to various areas, including the loos. The good news was that someone had reacted very swiftly as Portaloos (posh ones!) were already being installed in the courtyard. The bad news was that, coincidentally, the contract cleaner for the toilets had taken the Bank Holiday weekend off and his deputy wasn’t available. So muggins was given the glad tidings that the Guides would have to cover and guess-who got first go with the mop and bucket?

Looking forward to a slightly more relaxed period and then – SpookyToursWeek – bring it on!

Spooky Tours 24th -30th October, is anybody there?????

October is bitter sweet

It is sweet because there is so much going on; The gardens are magnificent in their autumn colour. Because of our capricious climate of late the grounds are even more resplendent in autumn hues of gold and reds. The deer rutting is in full swing and everyday there are strange noises echoing from the deer park as the deer jostle for position. The castle becomes all spooky as the guides tell of evil deeds and inhabitants from days gone by.

 

And bitter, well, because we are closing in a few days time.

 

On 30^th October we will wave goodbye for the last time of our season to the last visitor; of  2011.

 

So if you have been meaning to make it over and see us, there is no time like the present.

What to expect if you are visiting this week

We thought it would be helpful to add a blog post about our Spooky tours week and what is going on in and around the castle.

We hope we have the balance right. It’s important for us to be a day out for all the family and one that you will remember for a long time.

It is Halloween and with that in mind we are changing the tours to incorporate a more spooky element. On the spooky tours you will be shown around by a rather glum butler or maid, the lights will be turned down low and you will hear tales of past inhabitants, some of whom may make themselves felt or heard. Oooh! The Spooky session will follow on from the spooky tour . Our Mad Scientist or Witch will meet you in the courtyard. You will be escorted to the Pleasure Garden where you partake in  a scavenger hunt for some bones/body parts outside the ‘Witch’s Hut’ and then on to the  Science lab to watch the wonderful Jonty Depp as the mad scientist make a final appearance for the season and create some rather gruesome experiments. The tour will appeal to all ages who like a bit of light frightening!

If this isn’t for you and you would like the regular tour with no bumps or spooks then they will be available too.

For the spooky tour it is important that you book up in advance as they are very popular. The times are:-12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm. Regular tours will run at 11.15, 12.45, 2.15 and 3.45.

Spooky Tickets are limited to 40. Any tickets not sold in advance will be available to purchase from the Welcome Hut on the day

The Deer Park Safari

It is a magnificent time to see the deer park. You are taken in a covered giant tractor around the Deer parkand because of the ‘attitude’ of the deer at this time of year they tend to hold their ground so you can get really close and take some terrific pictures. This half term week the Deer Park Safari is included in the entry price so an excellent way for the children to enjoy a unique experience.

Pumpkin Trail

Pumpkins are a must this time of year, brilliant in soups and pie’s and we have a complete trail of them to keep the little one’s busy for a while. It will finish in one of our greenhouses where you will find Priscilla the 30 stone giant Pumpkin!! Yep you read it right! Come and have a look for yourself.

Come and See Priscilla the Pumpkin on the pumpkin trail

So you see Powderham offers plenty, rain or shine for young and old. We close on 30^th October and will not open again until Spring next year, so if you have been meaning to pop over and see Devon’s most welcoming Grand family home has to offer; now really is your last chance.

Only 54 days until Christmas

We may have closed our doors for the rest of the year but the insides of the castle still hum with activity and festivity.

It’s November 1^st (already) and there are only 54 shopping days to Christmas (yikes!)

On Thursday 3^rd November the castle will be a fabulous backdrop to a unique shopping event to help you get in a Christmassy mood and maybe inspire you for a gift for friends or family, or even yourself!!

The high street can be a bit ‘samey’ and the problem with the internet is that you just cant feel it, and if there are problems like last year with the snow and postage you may not even receive it for the big day.

Why not start your shopping with a great day out and see some of theUK’s most unique retailers and crafters and find a gift that really puts a sparkle under the tree.

If you have a piece of jewellery you would like valued bring it along and our generous sponsors  Bearnes Hampton and littlewood will give you a free verbal valuation. Present your entry ticket to  Jethro Marles on the day.

The event is being run as a fundraiser for the Soldiers charity ABF so you can shop and be inspired all for a good cause.

Entry is £4

Doors Open 10am-3pm

Come and join us for a unique Christmas shopping event

The highs, the lows and the medium of serving the public

We are closed now until next spring but work still goes on at the castle namely making it even lovelier for next years visitors and planning weddings, corporate events and educational visits.

We wanted to share with you a selection of letters and feedback we receive. This series of 3 in our blog is called the good, the bad and the spooky.

The first is an unedited letter we received from a couple who came to visit us this past season.

I just wanted to write to say ‘Thank you’ for opening your home to the public and for facilitating very memorable experiences.

I am a native ofDevonand as a child used to live in Starcross.  I have many fond memories of walking through the footpaths or cycling beside the Estate and observing the Deer at close quarters.  I also remember joining the Castle tour many moons ago.

Over the intervening years I have been very impressed with the way you have extended the areas open to the public; added the restaurant* and shop; and introduced many revenue raising events without spoiling the overall effect.  *(My husband-to-be and I ate our first meal together in the Restaurant.)

This past summer I visited with my own children and mother (Maggie Hayes from the Old Vicarage) and we had so much fun in theWalledGardenand on the Safari, that we ran out of time and decided to take advantage of the offer to return again another time.

I now live inScotlandand their 1/2 term is earlier than most so last Monday we visited Powderham to do everything again, plus the Castle tour.  The Deer Safari was particularly spectacular due to the Bucks territorial behaviour and we were able to get much closer to those magnificent animals.  My daughters took full advantage of the activities in theWalledGarden, and this time we managed to take the last tour of the Castle itself.  This was very timely as my children are studying ‘Castles’ for a School project.  We took the last tour of the day at 3.45 and our guide was called Keith.  He directed the tour more towards the children as there was another family with us who had 5 children.  I wanted to note how engaging he was and how magical he made the tour for the adults, as well as the children.  A member of staff who so loves his work and who can pass on all the information as though it was the first time he’d ever shared this amazing story, is one to be valued.  Please pass on our heartfelt appreciation to him.

Now that we are back inScotlandand sharing the highlights of our trip toDevonwith family and friends, the day at Powderham is the main topic of conversation.  We purchased the brochure and some of the Knights and their Horses in all their regalia to take to School and show the class, so no doubt even more children will enjoy our trip even if it is vicariously.

In this day and age people are often too quick to complain and I felt so moved by our recent visit, and the fond memories it inspired, that I wanted to take the time to show some appreciation.  I would be very happy for you to use any of this text in your promotional literature if you feel it would be appropriate.

Thank you once again.

Jackie Paterson (nee Hayes)

Galesha and DevinaPaterson

It’s lovely to receive some positive feedback. 40,000 visitors pass through our gates every year and it is great to hear that the training, hard work and  attention to detail are worthwhile when visitors go away with a lovely impression of the Castle andDevon.

Santa, Are you there?

The Staff in the Estate office are making their Christmas lists, here’s what we want in our stockings this year.

Ingrid – the manual for the Estate Office heating system, failing that some woolly gloves, leg warmers and ear muffs.
Simon – dog training lessons for Tess and Fudge
Clare – Harry from McFly ( vote Harry!)
Felicity – a pencil case, plus a left-handed ink pen with a broad nib.
June – Lawn mower repair man
Glenis, her son home for Christmas

What would you like in yours?

How a cycle ride to Powderham became one to remember…..but for all the wrong reasons

In our blog series about the highs and lows of life at Powerdham we are going through our letters bag and sharing with you some we receive.

Good Morning

Last week we were on holiday in Devon and decided to cycle along the river fromExeterwith our 2 children, aged 11& 8, to Powderham castle for a picnic and to look around. Having been on the cycle trail before (as far as Exminster) we knew that it was all well signposted so didn’t take a map with us. When we got past Turf Lock the cycle route was tricky to do but we persevered as we could see the castle in the distance. As there were no more signs, we followed our noses as it were and turned right off the path atPowderhamChurch. We were pleased we were nearly there – or so we thought!

We got to a gate which told us to carry on the road to get to the entrance. We did this but the road kept on going… After another mile or so we got to a busy road – the road to Dawlish. As we were determined to visit the castle, we kept going, looking at the sign which said 1 mile to the castle. As you may be able to imagine, this was a scary journey to make with children on bikes who had only been on country lanes and paths before. The cars and caravans pushed past us, often passing one of us at a time and then pulling in quickly in front of us. After another mile (my husband checked the distances in the car later in the week) there was a sign sayingPowderhamCastle, ¾ mile. We told the children that we were nearly there and kept going. In total, the journey from the sign on the A379 was 2 miles – not 1 mile – and from the church about 3 ½ miles on dangerous roads!

When we got to the gate we were very relieved and asked the guides if we could get home a safer way. He told us the way back – all flat and much easier and safer.

I just wanted to inform you really of the situation – just a simple sign by Powderham church is all that is needed to tell people the way to your wonderful castle. I feel this would encourage more to visit you – and prevent accidents. If our children had been younger – and the traffic worse – I think the day would have ended very differently.

What a frightening experience for all concerned! We were appalled at the ‘what might have been’ and are now in correspondence with the local council to get some clear signage en route. Watch this space.

Art at Powderham

If you have been following social media you may well have noticed our calls to hear from artists who are inspired by our particular corner of South Devon.

 

We at Powderham feel incredibly privileged to call this little part of England home and love to welcome others to enjoy the open spaces, the wonderful views, history and clean air that Devon offers.

 

Over the coming months we are very keen to hear from artists, professional and amateur, who use South Devon as their muse. You could be an amateur artist who has a piece of work of the area that they are particularly proud of, you may be an art society who’s members are from the area and would like to organise a painting trip or you maybe an established artist who would like to discuss showcasing their work at an event.

 

We would welcome you to contact us with an example of your work or an explanation of your group or idea so we can add your details to our artist register so we can keep you posted on any art inspired events or ideas that we may progress as the months go on.

 

Please get in contact via e mail to clare.crawshaw@powderham.co.uk, in the subject heading please write. ARTISTS REGISTER.

 

We look forward to hearing from you