October 19th 2008  There is a visit to London:  Spenser House and the Handel Museum.

Spenser House was built in the C18th by the 1st Earl Spencer.   The architect was John Vardy.  It was acquired by Lord Rothschild in 1985 and magnificently restored.  We have a guided tour.

Nearby in Brook Street Handel lived for 36 years and died here in 1759.  We have a guided tour and also a short harpsichord recital.

For more information phone 01823 433871

In 2008  we visited  Northern Italy for four daysto study the Art of Palladio. 

In May 2006 we visited Boconnoc House in Cornwall.

Boconnoc House and garden is in private ownership and is only open to organised groups by appointment.  The present owners have embarked on a huge restoration project of the house, church, stables and other outbuildings.

We had a sunny and at times chilly day for our trip.  After a welcome cup of coffee in the stables we walked down to the church to hear an account of the history of the house, church and the family.  This was followed by a guided tour of the house and the Georgian Bath House.

After a delicious lunch and a glass of wine we had a tour of the gardens.  The azaleas, rhododendruns and the many trees were stunning.