Under a threatening sky the Old Catton Society travellers left the village heading for Essex. Traffic hold-ups caused us to be slightly late at Marks Hall Gardens and Arboretum. However we received an excellent welcome and took full advantage of the facilities especially the glorious 16th century barn, and the catering which places emphasis on home-made locally produced food.
To explore the gardens a golf buggy was available for those who needed it. The walled garden (the longest in England) with a variety of unusual plants, the lakeside Millennium Walk, a vast collection of trees and miles of walks provided great viewing and exploration. High on members' lists were the plants for sale at very reasonable prices - the coach boot returned well filled.
After lunch we proceeded to Coggeshall to visit the National Trust Paycocke's house and garden. The building is a carved half-timbered Tudor cloth merchant’s house. Guides explained the history of the property and the rooms could be explored throughout, with displays of historical objects including those of Imogen Holst. Those who wished visited Grange Barn, a short walk away. This 13th Century building is one of the oldest timber-framed barns in Europe, having been part of a Cistercian Abbey. It was gifted to the National Trust in 1989, having fallen into an appalling state of decay, and has since been restored to an impressive standard.
Tea and cakes were enjoyed, and a walk in the beautiful lavender bordered garden before boarding the coach for the return journey. Passing through heavy rain we arrived back in Church Street, the plants were unloaded and everyone returned home.
Thank you to those who again supported the outing.
Anne Jones