WI CHARLTON DOWN - 2nd May 2012

At today’s meeting, our Speaker was Mr John Hallet, a Volunteer speaker from The National Trust. His subject was Coast and Countryside. He showed us slides of many of the Trust’s properties and also of the vast areas of coast and countryside that they own. We all probably think of National Trust properties as houses, but we were all pleasantly surprised. We were told that they own over 67,000 acres of land and around 900 miles of coast land. They also have 4 million members. The first house they bought was The Clergy House at Alfriston, East Sussex and we were shown pictures of it then and now. Purchased for £1 and renovated for £100 !!

The first land they obtained was in Wales and 4½ acres of land was given. We travelled all over the country, including of course our own Brownsea Island, with it’s red squirrels. The island was saved by the National Trust from becoming a Yachting Marina. Although owned by National Trust, it is managed by the Wildlife Trust. Our journey also included Charmouth where they own 90 miles of coast. We went to Birling Gap in East Sussex, which is in danger of collapsing into the sea, taking some cottages with it. Also Surrey, East Anglia, Plymouth, Cornwall and Yorkshire to name but a few of the places.

Also included was Beatrix Potter’s home, which is still run as a farm. We were also told of how the National Trust are responsible for repairing and maintaining pathways in the Lake District and dry stone walls in the Peak District. So all in all in was a very interesting morning.

Our mid-month event was a Cheese and Wine Evening in the Charlton Down Cricket Pavilion. The weather kept us indoors, but there was much eating, drinking and chatting. The general opinion was that it was a very enjoyable evening.

Our next meeting is our birthday meeting, and takes place on 6th June at the Cricket Pavilion. If you would like to come along, you would be very welcome. We will start at 10.30 am. Food and refreshments will be available, and we look forward to meeting any new members.

Jean Garrard

Secretary