On the 2 December, the Company held its Winter / Christmas drinks party; present were both new and existing members and guests. We had a potential 65 people attending with a few dropping out due to flu circulating at the time.
Once again Roger Head had allowed us to use his home as the venue, the roaring fire gave the evening a warm cosey feel as Roger gave a talk on the history of Highnam Court and its extensive restoration since his tenure began. Roger guided us through the House, pointing out items of interest and some of the restoration en route; this included the hall with its 18th century stone staircase, the music room and finally the gold room, which is now the dining room where he pointed out a lion, eagle, dolphin and phoenix in each corner of the ceiling.
As part of the rich history of Highnam Court, Roger being an England rugby supporter, could not resist pointing out that at the Battle of Highnam in 1643 during the English civil war, the Royalist army consisting of a significant number of Welshman were caught by surprise by the English Parliamentary army who were routed by them, with the result that a significant number of the Welsh are buried in his grounds. This was taken in good spirit by the Welsh descendant’s present including the Warden.
The evening, which overran, was declared a success with all leaving by 8 pm
