BMW CAR CLUB (GB)
SOUTH EAST REGION
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06 STANDEN
STANDEN - 10th SEPTEMBER 2006 - Report by Melvyn Pettit
In the afternoon we take a “short” walk through Hollybush Wood to the Wier Wood Reservoir. The sailing boats on the water, kept us amused as I hope they were practicing capsizing the boat and then trying to upright them, or other wise they were useless sailors! Around 4pm we head home after a relaxing day out.
After Lunch it was time to see who had arrived for the event. As I stated, when we walk back to the car park it is overflowing, Daimlers, Jaguars, Corvettes, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Humber, were just some of the makes that had taken advantage of the fine weather, and come along to Standen.
Graeme Fillmore from the Daimler and Lanchester Owners’ Club, Surrey branch sent an invitation to the BMWCC to join them at there event. The venue was a National Trust site, that being Standen. Located 2 miles SW of East Grinstead off the B2110 in West Hoathly Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 4NE.
I had a 75 mile drive around the M25, which for once was free of incidents, and with the early morning Fog, that makes a change. As usual BMW’s are keen to get in early; the opening time for Standen is 11am. I arrived around 10.15am and followed in the organizers. Soon after, Selwyn arrived with a car full, as Sarah and Louise had joined Pauline and came along for the day out. Barry and Ann soon arrived. There was reserve parking for the event, but we parked just the other side of the tape. The area was overflowing by lunch time, with cars. After helping out putting up the gazebo for the Daimler club, and paying the entrance fee, we have a quick coffee in the Barn restaurant and tour the House.
We arrive early, and by lunch the car park is overflowing
As the “Welcome to Standen” leaflet explains: “Standen was built between 1892 and 1894 for successful London solicitor James Beale, his wife Margaret, and their seven children. The house is a superb example of the work of Architect Philip Webb, friend of William Morris, and his full of the work by Morris & Co. and other Arts & Crafts designers.”
After the tour of the 21 bedroom house we explore the 12-acre hillside gardens, which had fine views over Ashdown Forrest and in the distance Wier Wood Reservoir.
We explorer the Bamboo garden, wrong time of year for the Rhododendron Dell, Selwyn picks up an Apple in the Orchard. We head up the slopping lawn to take in the Plantation and then take the trail back down to the house.
Due to the hot weather we need refreshment and so take lunch in the Barn Restaurant, the organically brewed Ginger Beer went down well!
Standen House and Gardens
Car park overflowing : Daimlers, Jaguars, Corvettes, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Humber
“SHORT” walk through Hollybush Wood to the Wier Wood Reservoir
