The weather forecast was not good as we set off on our journey to the Midlands, but we were all prepared for rain with raincoats and umbrellas. After a trouble-free journey, we arrived at NT Wightwick Manor and were treated to a most wonderful Arts and Crafts house and gardens. The house built on the wealth of the Manders paints family, was a treasure of Pre-Raphaelite art and William Morris interiors with contributions from other late Victorian designers such as William de Morgan. Although we could not enter some of the rooms owing to much-needed ongoing conservation work, we were able to see the fabulous furniture, paintings and stained glass in the house. After a quick lunch we departed for a short 30-minute journey to David Austin Roses. Another treat, but this time fabulous colours and perfumes in the beautiful, themed rose gardens. It started to rain about 3.30pm and so it was time for some retail therapy and our members did not fail to make use of the 10% discount offered to us. After tea and cake in the lovely tea room, three trolley loads of roses were safely stored in the coach and we boarded just before the rain started to pour down. We arrived home safely after Cliff, our driver, had very carefully driven through some torrential downpours. Thank you to Delia for organising a really grand day out.
Coach trip to Wightwick Manor and David Austin Roses
