WORCESTER & MALVERN NATIONAL TRUST CENTRE

APRIL saw the end of our Indoor Programme of Speakers with a talk by Susan Black on the Adventures in Opera.

We met in Hanley Swan Village Hall and enjoyed refreshments of tea and biscuits before the start of the talk.

Susan is a well-known Soprano and gave an interesting talk on her life in opera and her journey through various musical experiences.

Later in the month saw the start of our summer programme of outings and holiday with a visit to Lyme Park, a National Trust property in Cheshire.

At the end of April, 45 of our members visited Corsham Court on the outskirts of Chippenham. Corsham Court is an Elizabethan Manor renowned for its extensive Art Collection. Surrounded by well cared for gardens and a landscaped park designed by Capability Brown, it is situated in the lovely village of Corsham. Our first stop of the day was in Chippenham for lunch. We had a leisurely lunch break in this lovely town and on arrival at Corsham Court we were met by the owner who gave a very interesting talk on the history of the Court and the Paintings on display, after which we had plenty of time to wander round and enjoy this beautiful Manor and surrounding village. Our visit ended with tea and cake served in the ancient church of St Bartholomew's.

Over the coming summer months we will be enjoying many and varied outings to places of beauty and interest and a holiday in Ireland. This will be followed in October by our Indoor Programme of Speakers.

If you are a member of the National Trust and would like to know more about your local Centre please contact Janet Bailey 01905 454455.

JOAN AINSWORTH