We are delighted with the latest aerial photographs of the Lodge. Taken last Tuesday, on the 9th December, the sun was shining and the view over the Lodge could not have been better.
New theories about the Lodge!
Our exciting news is that Philip Aitkens, the celebrated historian and his brilliant research team have uncovered a new theory about the medieval roots of the Lodge. He is currently measuring and documenting the beams in the roof to present a new concept of what the original Lodge roof might have looked like. This is a key mystery about the Lodge and the fact that evidence remains, to piece together, is extremely encouraging. There is also a theory as to where the original entrance was and where the staircase was placed. If irrefutable and evidence-based, it will mean a total re-thinking of how the Lodge was originally used in 1472.
Invitation to View
We are delighted to have been invited to join 'Invitation to view'. We are working out dates for June and July so please watch this space. We are hoping to pick the great minds of other members on the 23rd October at Otley Manor so that we can offer people a truly rewarding and exciting tour! We shall also be inviting our lovely historian friends Edward and Joanna Martin if they would like to present the tours, dates allowing.
For more information about this brilliant endeavour, please see: www.invitationtoview.co.uk
Swans enjoying the mild autumn
The gentle autumn weather is relaxing the swans and they often sit looking out like this.
The Letheringham Miniature Regatta
Yes, you did read that correctly! Plans are afoot to launch a miniature regatta at Letheringham Lodge. In Spring/Summer 2015, we will be inviting you to join us to race remote-controlled boats around the moat. We will be providing all the boats with safety officers on standby for net rescues and all funds will be donated to a local charity. Nautical dress is optional but highly recommended (straw boaters will be provided too!). You will also be warmly welcomed to bring your own remote-controlled boat for an open race at the end. If you would like to put yourself forward as a steward, please don't hesitate to contact us - there are handsome rewards for those who volunteer including a great deal of bubbly!
The swans are starting to practise now!!
Suffolk Historic Buildings Group and Invitation to View
We are pleased to confirm that we are inviting the Suffolk Historic Buildings Group to an Open Day at Letheringham Lodge next year. If they are as delightful as the Suffolk Institute of Archaeology, then we are indeed privileged to be hosting them.
More details to follow on dates. (we will be serving the same genuine tudor recipe scones!)
We were also lucky enough to attend the 'Invitation to View' day held at Wingfield College last week which was fascinating, entertaining and deeply inspiring. With this experience etched in our minds, we will be approaching the Invitation to View organisation to see if Letheringham Lodge is interesting enough for them!!
please see invitationtoview.co.uk
We raised over £2000 with Music by the Moat
With gift aid, the event raised over £2000 to support the maintenance of the beautiful St Mary's Church in Letheringham. Considering the ticket price was only £10, people were generous enough to donate as much again!
Many people donated to the event without being able to attend. These include Paul and Julie Tilcock, Sue Clough, Richard and Jacqui Fairey to name but a few and we are so terribly grateful. Thank you.
The raffle was a huge success and alone raised near to £250. Well done Polly who worked tirelessly.
A huge thankyou to Polly and Maurice ffitch, Marion Brown and Paul Clarke who basically ran the entire event!! Without them there would have been no teas or cakes!
We sold out at 100 tickets so next year we will organise for the total to be 200.
Thanks also to the fabulous bands who ensured there was something for everyone's taste!
Everything is set for tomorrow
Nearly a hundred people will be coming to Letheringham Lodge's first 'Music by the Moat'. Luckily there is no forecast for rain but it might be quite breezy so we have some lovely gazebos for people to relax in.
Most people will be arriving at 3.00 p.m. and the music will start just after this. Parking is very easy on either side of the driveway and people are invited to drop off their guests near the house, prior to turning back to park.
Tours of the Lodge will take place every half hour starting at 3.30 p.m. A bell will sound to signal the tours and each can accommodate 15 people. We will be providing an A4 sheet about the history of the Lodge. The famous historian couple (Edward and Joanna Martin) who have written the summary article will actually be at the event so you can ask them questions!!
We will be providing people with blankets in case of inclement weather but our fingers are crossed!!