
Highclere’s radio crackled. “Chef to Lady Carnarvon. What is the code to the shed with the picnic afternoon tea boxes please?” I felt temporarily quite blank – not unusual as, at the moment, I sometimes I get the days of the week back to front. The rhythm of life has become topsy turvy and my excuse was we had changed some of the key pad codes.
Sally in the gift shop had created the pretty, carefully divided afternoon tea boxes which Paul the chef needed in order to fill with that days orders for the scones, cakes, sandwiches, glasses and half bottle of champagne that they contain. Later in the day guests would collect them and bear them off to scattered tables, rugs on the lawns or further garden corners. Meanwhile, we were losing valuable time standing outside the shed scratching our heads.
Each code is an anniversary, a treaty or a battle. I suggested the obvious ones and Paul was twirling the numbers, trying WW1 and WW2, the Spanish Armada, the accession of various Kings, Victorian diplomatic treaties, battles of the English Civil War, of which there are no shortage, and so on. Then, thank goodness, I had a eureka moment and remembered that it was, of course, the birth of Alfred the Great. Another favourite king. Marvellously Paul opens the lock and there are the boxes.
Keys, doors and locks are a frequent challenge here at Highclere. Most visitors happily wander through the State Rooms, looking and dreaming, and perhaps may not be aware of nor count how many doors they walk through. Sometimes there are also double doors between rooms to ensure greater privacy. There are therefore key cupboards on most floors and every key allegedly has its place.
Geordie does find the choice of dates somewhat baffling but he read geography which is perhaps more about the sense of place, societies and geology. I enjoy making sure I know dates and encourage others to consider key anniversaries. Having explained the anniversaries and the importance of the date, the team then have to google it to find the code. It’s all very educational!
Dates and anniversaries are important – a time to stop and remember both the good and the not so good. This year the world has remembered, if not been able to justly commemorate, the 75th anniversary of the end of World War Two, both in Europe in May and just now in the Pacific in August. In many ways, the arc of the 1939-1945 war began at the outbreak of World War I. Imagine being born in 1898 as was one of my grandfathers. He was just a teenager in 1914 when he joined the war. By the time he was twenty, he had lived through the Spanish Flu and by thirty he was experiencing the stock market crash of 1929, followed by the great depression before moving on to the catastrophe of 1939.
Yet, to quote Aristotle, “It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light” and my grandfather and yours made the best of those difficult times. Thus the following 50 years, despite often severe economic privation, saw the creation of the National Health Service in the UK, the United Nations and NATO. More anniversaries to choose from perhaps.

Red Arrows above Highclere 2018
On two earlier centenaries – anniversaries – Geordie and I invited people to come and join us here for our “Heroes at Highclere” events. There were many entertainments but the heart of each day, of the castle, and of many of those who took part, was simply to say thank you and not to forget the huge sacrifice that made these dates such anniversaries. This October Highclere’s thoughts and actions return again to a belated commemoration of VE day, its aftermath and the landscape of change that followed, the hopes for a different world. We will gather guests here both in reality and, given the times in which we live, virtually, as well as providing an educational outreach programme. From Colin Bell who flew mosquitos in WW2, to Katie Adie, Robert Harris and a posse of Concorde pilots, engineers from Rolls Royce, to those from the armed forces, amongst others. We aim to remember and to inspire. Students, whose education has been so interrupted this year, can discover what it is like to fly, to investigate, to report, to write and to film.
I think we might well offer some picnic afternoon tea boxes as well as an online quiz with prizes. You will all have time to google the dates and I must make a note not to change the key codes.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I agree dates are very important. Currently, as I’m sure you are aware, we have upcoming elections soon. I often wonder about my grandma, who was 20 the year women got the vote here. I wonder if she participated in any of the activities of the day. I cannot imagine her being allowed to march in the suffragettes’ parades, but I hope she was excited at the new opportunity awaiting her upon turning 21. At the same time, I counted backwards for Grandpa who was born in 1887. He was married to his first wife and had children by the time the U.S. got into the war so, although registered, he never had to fight. They both went through the Spanish Flu, the crash of ’29, etc. just as your grandparents did. My, what an exciting time they lived in. All were made of strong stuff, right?
They had to be strong – just as we do too
So enjoy your emails. Yes codes, like passwords, are so challenging. Thank you Lady Carnarvon for your thoughts on those who went before us.
Dear Lady Carnarvon:
As my day comes to a close, I enjoyed reading your Monday post.
Thank you for the historical photos, and the brief explanation as to eachs meaning and significance. Much needed “food for thought”, especially with all the events happening now worldwide.
The reflective photo of Highclere Castle on the front of the Rolls Royce reminded me of this past weekends “Dream Cruise” held in various cities along Woodward Avenue within Oakland County, Michigan. In the past, it had been an international event showcasing roadsters, speedsters, and a mini tour de ‘elegance. Unfortunately, COVID-19 postponed all but local enthusiasts to participate this year.
The picnic afternoon tea boxes look inviting. Hope to be able to enjoy one when I am able to visit the Castle.
Look forward to next Monday’s posting.
Perpetua Crawford
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Your photo (above) of the dancing man on the streets of Sydney is an iconic historical moment in Australian history. It features a then young Frank McAlery, who was then a law student doing an improvised dance to celebrate VJ Day (or as it is also known VP Day). Frank would later become an imminent QC and a much admired, respected and loved member of the NSW Bar. His student mate with him that day was Chester Porter (later also QC) who held his bag whilst Frank did his dance. Chester later became one of the great trial advocates and gave exceptional service to the law.
Amongst the many articles in the Sydney papers last Saturday, there was one that particular caught my attention. Peter Fitzsimons, writing in the Sydney Morning Herald reproduced words penned by a nameless soldier after the triumph of Dunkirk, that were printed in The New York Times and later reprinted in his father’s battalion newsletter. Peter offered it as the best example that he knew of what Allied veterans of WWII felt they were fighting for at the time.
I thought it appropriate to share those poignant words with you and the Monday Family. It read as follows:
“For in that harbour, in such a hell as never blazed on earth before, the rags and blemishes that have hidden the soul of democracy fell away. There, beaten but unconquered in shining splendour she faced the enemy. They sent away the wounded first; men died that others might escape. It was not so simple a thing as courage, which the Nazis had in plenty. It was not so simple a thing as discipline, which can be hammered into men by a drill sergeant. It was not the result of careful planning, for there could have been little. It was the common man of the free countries rising in all his glory from mill, office, mine, factory and shop and applying to war, the lessons learned when he went down the mine to release trapped comrades; when he hurled the lifeboat through the surf; when he endured hard work and poverty for his children’s sake. This shining thing in the souls of men Hitler cannot attain nor command nor conquer. He has crushed it where he could from German hearts. This is the great tradition of democracy. This is the future. This is victory.”
And so it was in Europe and in the Pacific.
Yours faithfully,
Jeffery Sewell
Hello, Jeffery!
So glad to read your post and know that you are OK.
Sue Smith
Englewood, FL
I thoroughly enjoyed your mini history lesson, Jeffery, especially since I have very little background in the iconic figures of Australian history. Thank you!
Thank you, Sue and Natalie.
That was very kind of you to make those comments.
I hope you and the entire “Monday Family” are well and taking care.
Best wishes.
I always look for your learned comments Jeffery.
Many thanks for this poignant reminder of our humanity.
Kim, Gold Coast
I love to read your blogs. However do you find the time to write them? Thank you. Have a great day.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you for another wonderful post, especially meaningful to me since today is our 52nd wedding anniversary.
Stay well.
Best,
Cecilia Doris
A very happy anniversary
Your comments are always a delightful way to begin Monday morning and the week ahead. I will looking up some dates today!
Gosh, those picnic boxes look nice. Now I’m about to retire a day trip to Highclere is on the cards.
The boxes re rather nice ..
Lady Carnarvon, Thank you for your post as a reminder of all the sacrifices made around the world during that horrible war. Blessed thanks to those who fell, survived and their families who paid such a terrible price so that we may enjoy our freedoms. God bless.
Good morning Lady Carnarvon,
Another excellent and entertaining blog. Your writing is awesome!
I am looking forward to being with you virtually in October. But, I am REALLY looking to my next visit in person.
Bless you, your family and staff. You have given so many years of enjoyment.
Joan
Thank you !
If you want to find out more about ‘Heroes at Highclere’ as mentioned in Lady Carnarvon’s excellent blog, on her current podcast she speaks to Squadron Leader Adam Collins from The Red Arrows. The Royal Air Force aerobatic team displayed over Highclere Castle at the event and you can see pictures from the display on the blog. Adam also talks about touring in North America with the team last summer. The podcast is available on all major podcasts apps including Apple on this link: https://apple.co/2Cnm0lE otherwise search for ‘Lady Carnarvon’s Official Podcast’.
Just love it.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
What a wonderful way to weave history throughout the day. Our grandparents earned throughout their lives the title “The Greatest Generation”. Fortunately, for us, they imparted a sense of duty, stoicism, and a tenacity to keep a stiff upper lip. We are truly lucky to have their lamp light to guide us through these times.
Best to you and everyone at Highclere.
Dr. Lewis
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Will we be able to view VE Day festivities here in the states? I hope so.
Loved your post this morning. There is always something good to ponder.
Yes for sure – on various platforms
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I love the idea of the key codes and historical dates…that’s genius. Now if I could just get the key code to the Champagne cellar…that would be marvelous! Half a bottle won’t get me through this dreadful, rolling blackouts, nightmare of a never ending heat wave (100 -111 degrees) we’re having in Northern California. I shall make a picnic inside where we’ve been hunkered down for over a week already and will be for most of this week. I’ll have to order the Highclere Gin…as the Champagne won’t last the week and by then I will clearly be at my wits end and need to switch to very stiff Gin Martinis… stirred not shaken! If it weren’t for Covid, I’d gladly fly there and pick it up myself! I will spend the rest of the week looking at pictures of your rolling green hills and dreaming of sipping cocktails in your garden.
Have a lovely week and thank you for keeping the remembrance of these sacrifices in our minds, helping us all be grateful for the lives we get to lead because they couldn’t.
Linda Thompson
San Francisco
Always delighted to see your email pop up with the link to your latest blog! It is always good to remember what our a ancestors went through for us to be here now – we can make it too!
Cheers,
Cathi Hall
Hickory, NC USA
With a special prize for the finder of your mobile phone!
Any special features on the door locks like at Hampton Court? Many visitors do not notice these and many do not look at the ceiling.
Looking forward to the October event. Churchill style hat ready and a collection of coins for SSAFA.
The newly painted flagpole will be a great attraction, I am sure and so will be the Gin Tent.
They did not give me a discount and they never gave you one either as I recall.
Been looking at the SHOP website and expect to make a few purchases in October when I visit.
Carry on Highclere.
That all sounds marvellous
I never thought about using anniversary dates for passwords or key codes! They are also much more secure than using birthdates, and as you mentioned educational! So next month at work I will start using these. Thanks so much! Enjoy your day.
Anglo Saxon ones or medieval ones are not very obvious…
Wonderful idea –the divided Afternoon Tea Boxes created by Sally–everything looking delicious!
Lovely Downton Abbey photo, everyone so beautifully dressed for summertime..
Lady Carnarvon, Thank you for your blog –we enjoy it very much!
Highclere has quite a wartime history from converting to a hospital to the grounds serving as a place for military exercises. My Dad was a 17 year old boy when he had his guardian sign off so he could join the United Stated Navy. Such a call to duty at such a young age. So now as we sit around waiting for this pandemic war to be over, some days it’s hard to understand young people not wanting to adhere to health standards, albeit temporary ones, to wear a mask and not congregate in large crowds. True sacrifice was born in WWI and II and I salute all who were brave enough to defend freedom!
Janna
I so agree with you
Wow! Your comment about your Grandfather and others born in late 1800 and all the things they endured prior to what were the glory years of my childhood, being born in 1950, gave me perspective and a realization of all I have for which to be so thankful!
wow those tea boxes are beautiful and contents look delicious! I’m enjoying a remote fantasy of partaking somewhere in the Highclere gardens.
What a clever photo of Highclere reflected in the bonnet of the Rolls.
Loved the essay about anniversaries and the history lesson, Lady Carnarvon. Excellent food for thought, as usual. Now if I just had one of those lovely tea boxes too!
Beginning my day with a smile thanks to your blog.
Be well
Cate
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Speaking of anniversary’s and afternoon tea….(your tea boxes are beautiful- what a clever idea!)
We were inspired by the exquisite tea we experienced a year ago in your Coach house at Highclere!
Here in Scottsdale Arizona it was my parents 59th anniversary and my mother’s birthday this week.
However with them being in quarantine due to the virus and their vulnerability being so high risk we decided to create our own lovely tea to deliver to them yesterday afternoon on Sunday…..
We baked your “Highclere scone recipe “ picked up Devonshire clotted cream and jam from our local gourmet shop and made an assortment of delicious tea sandwiches too! I sadly didn’t have such beautiful crafted boxes but did manage to round up shortbread and biscuit tins which I repurpose for Christmas cookie containers at the holidays. With Champagne splits and flowers in hand we set off to surprise them. It was quite a site (114 degrees yesterday in the desert so we have had to abandon our “socially distanced” meetings in the back garden patio for air conditioning by standing just inside the entry way of their home) so we delivered our tea with masks on.
Everything was delicious and delightful it was an afternoon that my parents truly enjoyed!
With a little ingenuity it’s amazing how creative we can be….
Thank you for your inspiring spirit and stories…..
How amazing and what a beautiful and delicious gift – it has just rained here and I do not envy your temperature
Slightly off-topic but I’ve always wanted to ask you this. At the start of the Downton Abbey movie when Andrew takes the envelope from the postman he turns from the courtyard servant’s entrance and heads directly into the main house. Obviously a very clever CGI shot and not many people notice it. I wondered if you noticed it immediately or maybe you have yet to notice! We came for a valentines tea a few years back and got to meet you. It was such a lovely visit, thank you.
They used the staff courtyard here but I will have another look
I have been reading your posts for quite some time, but have never left a comment. I look forward to reading your blog every week and always am inspired and often find the educational moments quite fascinating. I have purchased all of your books and they hold a special place in my small library. Today, I just wanted to thank you for all the things you do to keep history alive and at the forefront.
I live in Asheville, North Carolina, USA and have enjoyed all the Downton exhibits that have been at the Biltmore. I often walk my dogs there and think of you walking your dogs at Highclere.
I do plan to visit Highclere some day and witness what I enjoy from afar. It will be my dream trip.
Just an added note, I would love to have a few of those lovely picnic boxes!
Again, thank you for always inspiring me.
Marnie Prescott Walsh
Thank you for your kind words!
Lady Carnarvon,
Overslept! Appointment looming! Shower? Yes. No time to wash hair….. Oh my – what to do? Husband fixes cup of coffee (a little too much cream and sugar, but he thinks more is better, love him). Now, open the laptop for Mapquest and directions to appt. Code to ipad —— code to ipad —- nerves, anxiety….. husband to the rescue. A big sigh. Ipad opened, directions found, car starts through computer code in key fob, and off I go. Normal watch (some things remain the same) says I’ll be on time. Came home, opened column, and laughed heartily at your ‘eureka’ moment. I smiled with sympathy. Thank you for helping me with Monday morning!
Martha G.
Geordie tends to be exasperated rather than coffee and cream.
Love your blog. We were to visit last month but had to reschedule to next July because of Covid. Looking forward to having tea at Highclere.
Best,
Bonnie Porro
Next July is less than a year away..
I like the idea of using historical dates as lock codes and the idea of Googling historical references; a brief history refresher. For my passwords, I frequently use bible verses that relate to the selected website since they usually require upper and lower case letters, numbers, and a special character. It reminds me to keep up with my studies so that the meaning is not lost. Sometimes I think aging requires more studying than when I was in school!
They sound very high level code breaking!
I have to get there some day, so I can order a cute little tea box! Always enjoy reading your posts on a Monday morning!
terri
I love history but being old, I am not so good at dates!! I would be in big trouble at Highclere!! I would be standing outside the locked doors haha!
We cannot forget the sacrifices made long ago.
I do so enjoy reading your blog and blocking out the crazy times we are experiencing in the US.
Be safe. Looking forward to your next blog!
So glad to hear things are up and running again at your home.
How would we be able to participate in the Virtual events?? Is there a link on the website for us here in the states to watch?
There will be and I would like to reach out to US schools/students perhaps on the Friday afternoon? Those were interested in history or heritage or living in a Castle
I love these Monday morning stories that you share!
Thanks so much!
Debbie Carlsen
Thank you for making this a priority at Highclere. We must never forget the sacrifices made by so many. The educational outreach program will keep alive our thanksgiving to all who served. We remember Churchill’s God-fearing words: “The only thing to fear is fear itself.” (I may have paraphrased that), but it is a great statement from a great statesman and is recorded in our WWII Museum in New Orleans. It is just as appropriate for the world today.
Thank you
I attended the Heroes at Highclere a couple of years ago, but I’m unable to do so this year. Please make it available on line, so I and others can participate in acknowledging all the war heroes. Thank you, Sue Hickey, Colorado USA
Greeting, Lady Carnarvon,
I just read two very interesting books having to do with aspects of WW2. One was “D-Day Girls”, about British women who worked under-cover in France to aid the French resistance and prepare for the D-Day Landing. The other is called “The Splendid and the Vile”, a snapshot of about a year of Winston Churchill’s life during WW2. I am in awe of the courage and strength of not only these particular heroes but of the British people in general as they weathered so many hardships during that war.
I think there are so many lessons to be learned and applied to today’s world. We need to be brave and stand up for what is right. We need to be resilient in the face of hardships. We need to help our neighbors.
Mainly, though, I want to say Cheers and Bravo to you Brits and thank you for standing up to Hitler. The world could be a much different and terrible place today if you hadn’t.
As we walked in time and place, more joined to walk..
Lady Carnarvon, Sally is so artistic. Her afternoon tea boxes are beautiful. Also the visitor has a lovely keepsake to take home. On your Instagram and blog, the Rolls Royce with the reflection of Highclere Castle is stunning. On a final note, the men and women who were in the wars will always be my Heroes. I will never ever forget them. With kind wishes to you, Cheryl
Thank you for the upcoming memorial for VE Day. I hope to be able to watch digitally!
My Dad from St.. Louis Missouri, was drafted from college, in early 1943 In the Infantry, he in combat in Italy, ,France and Germany with the 45th Inf. Div. He was wounded not long after he crossed into Germany and was sent back to England to recuperate. He didn’t come back home until March of 1943, gone for almost exactly 3 years.
From the “Greatest Generation”… and certainly my greatest hero. Thanks!
And a US chaplain has just emailed me – how lovely perhaps he can join us here
Another fabulous Monday morning reading your blog. As an aside, those beautiful pink sectioned lunch boxes of yours, of which we have at least eight (which we carefully bring back to the States with us every time), make perfect little storage containers for any number of crafts. We also fill the sections with goodies for our grandchildren – they’re thrilled to receive a great big lovely box, with a lid no less, full of treasures. When I was young, Maxwell House Coffee’s motto here in the States was, “good to the last drop.” From the original gourmet contents by Chef Paul to the treats we fill them with for our grandchildren, your elegant lunch boxes are, too.
Howe lovely to hear from you Denise! You win the picnic box award!!!
I also get blanks with codes or cant find keys, gone are the days when estates didn’t need to lock every shed and piece of machinery, we now even remove all the batteries just to make things harder.
I wish our codes where historical because I would have a good chance of remembering. Loved the castle reflecting in the chrome work.
I love the way you can take a small incident and expand it with other connections in order to write an interesting and informative piece that not only entertains but gives us ideas to think about. This Texas Anglophile gets a big kick out of your musings every Monday! Thanks!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I want to be sure you know how much Heroes at Highclere impacted our lives.
I wrote to you about my Husband’s service in Vietnam and how poorly we were treated and how difficult it was once he was back home. You told me that is why you were having the Heroes event. We flew over and attended the special event. I was on a mobility scooter. I had a picture of my Father and my Father-in-law hanging on my scooter to honor them as well as my Husband. There were many people who stopped us and thanked my husband for his service. Words cannot express how it affected him. After the way we were both treated in America upon his return from the war, your event was like a healing balm to his heart as well as mine. You took the time to read my post and replied with an invitation to attend the Heros event. It changed our lives. Seeing the Red Arrows fly that day brought tears to our eyes. They were spectacular. Seeing the B-17 Bomber was emotional for me since my Father was in a B-17 crew as a top turret gunner flying over the South Pacific.
I sure wish we could attend the next event, but last I heard, they are not allowing visitors from America in the UK without a 14-day quarantine.
Oh, I’m rubbish at remembering passwords…I use dates, too. But what date? Our meeting date? Our marriage date? LOL
We all go through life on ‘cruise control’ at times. We don’t stop and take the time to let people know how they have impacted our lives. I don’t want to be that person. I am striving to let others know if they have made a difference in my life. To thank them. So, I am thanking you and Lord Carnarvon from the bottom of my heart.
God Bless you both.
Sue Smith
Englewood, Florida
I am so glad you were here. Thank you
Dear Lady Carnarvon
We had a wonderful day at Highclere last week. We sat in the glorious sunshine enjoying the marvellous view of the house as we drank our champagne. We loved the addition of the cocktail bar and the jazz music. What could be better than a glass of Pimms? A jug perhaps!
Thank you for letting us share your home.
Such a poignant reminder of the events of last century that shaped the world of today. My younger grandfather(born 1892) went through all the events you mentioned. At 14 he was apprenticed to a grocer after his father had died. That family later coalesced around their mother who created a successful business and was well-respected throughout the community. When the family was reunited, their mother maintained her standards of behavior, expectations and duties/obligations. We grew up with that history; I always joke that my standards have deep roots in the 19th century because I was taught to curtsey, walk with a book on my head to demonstrate excellent posture, and conduct myself with ladylike deportment.
I’ve rescheduled my travel again due to the various issues affecting the USA. Such a disappointment! However, it will happen and I’m anticipating a wonderful trip with all my desires fulfilled: Highclere, Paris, Provence, and Bourdeaux to visit friends and enjoy breathing different air.
Truly appreciate the LIVE events and the laughter everyone enjoys!
Thank you..
thank you – I also remember walking with a book on my head!!!
I was a bit of a lad when World War 2 ended. Remember the Block Parties etc following the end of the war with Japan. Of Course History has a dreadful way of returning as We grow up. My Brother Fought in Korea and my time came with Viet Nam. Ah well but is important to remember always to remember.
I do so enjoy your Blogs.
It is .. thank you
Lady Carnarvon, I want to tell you how very much I enjoy your blog. It is a highlight of my week. The heartfelt way you write makes me enjoy reading even more. The photos are a delight to the eye. You really do have a way with words. I am most grateful to you. Kind Regards, Cheryl
Hello Lady Carnarvon and all of our Monday group
I remember a local church bells ringing a Carillion and rushing to my mother to find out what the noise was. It was marking the end of WW2 and I being born in September 1939 had never heard it before so I was somewhat bemused about the sound. It went on for quite a few times throughout the day and people loved hearing the bells because throughout the war they were not allowed to be played.
I remember my father arriving home from the war and dumping the contents of his gas mask bag on the kitchen table and the glorious sight of chocolate and all kinds of lollies which he had “procured” from some Americans. Those goodies were in a rationed supply and here was a goldmine sitting on our table.
On VE Day so many memories came flooding back but remembering the men and women who served so valiantly until the war was won was especially bitter sweet.
I thought it was especially sad that we lost Dame Vera Lynn around the time of the 75th Anniversary. Her contribution to the morale of the forces was immeasurable and her voice will always be heard, enjoyed and appreciated by those of us who were lucky enough to hear her unique voice.
We are applying that same stoicism from WW2 today as we try to win the battle with Covid 19. When that battle is won it will be a great cause for celebration and I hope that comes soon for everyone
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you for your blog and your indefatigable sense of history- one of my passions. I hope you will continue at some point the Viking TV weekly visits to your cherished home. Will hopefully visit sometime this year as all plans for 2020 were disrupted completely. My week in the UK at the end of March/early April was thwarted by Covid-19. Looking forward to your next blog and history and a visit to the UK as soon as possible! Will hopefully see you then!
Thats so funny!!! Yes the codes can be quite daunting – I agree dates for things are great – but men have a different brain that’s for sure…We have yet another wildfire and I sit here ready to evacuate, happy to be able to use the computer for now…but we are more prepared this time with our important papers in one place – AHA! Take care and thanks for cheering me up and carrying on with your great works!!!!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I don’t know what I love better; your fascinating observations or the comments of your followers ( above) as we share the love of Highclere like a fan club! It’s clear you are the biggest fan of the castle and I do wonder in amazement how you have time to write your blog! My husband and children/their spouses have been poking me to write one about our much tinier countryside estate and it’s remarkable chickens but the time gets away from me.
I must also join fellow fans from the “club” to say WOW about the divided tea boxes!! Practical and lovely. I was literally writing a text invite to some friends for a “social distancing high tea” and wouldn’t I love to create a box like yours for it! Dispense with the silver and pack a gift box with easily made strips of cardboard and ask each guest to bring a blanket so they can mark out their comfort zone!!
You and your team are so brilliant ! A warm hello too to fellow Highclere afficianados ! The description of the Coach House tea made me happy.
Cheers and affection,
Victoria
Hi Victoria,
Like you, I love reading the comments of the fellow fans, especially from across the pond, our appreciation for all things Lady Carnarvon and Highclere really does bond us in a fan club. Even if I haven’t time to add my comment, I always make time to read everyone elses!
So a warm hello to you too!
And now as 2020 comes to end of summer and school starts and fall is right around the corner, we have more dates to remember, not all good. This is one year I will never forget and am so looking forward to its end.
I’ve worked from home since the 1st week in March and now it’s August and I have no idea where this year has gone. Gone in a flash! It’s like I’m in a dream and I’ll wake up and everything will be back as it was, but I know it won’t.
So on that note, I’m going to turn on Downton Abbey and have a glass of wine!
Cheers!
Janet
Now the last sentence is reassuring in a strange world..
Dear Lady Carnarvon
Thank you for your wonderful tribute to our heroes of the past, and present. As an older member of the Monday family, I remember being a very frightened child during WW2. Living here in Australia, we were not effected as the Brits were, but I think there was a fear of the unknown in there somewhere.
I am a “dates” person myself and only last Sunday I reminded my brother of a significant event that occurred in our family on the same day. I remember feeling very relieved that the conflict was all over.
I never forget the sacrifices made by so many. Reading Jeffrey’s message, I was reminded that I have a copy of that newspaper depicting the man dancing in the street.
I look forward to your weekly thoughts, and haven’t given up hope of visiting UK one mare time, although our regulations on travel seem to be a lot more strict than most other countries. Maybe that’s a good thing, given our relatively low numbers
Best wishes to all from Australia
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Your anniversary dates as codes/passwords is ingenious. I, however, would have a hard time remembering which date for each lock, password etc. Even now I seem to go through all the passwords just to get something to open ( hopefully all before I get locked out).
The tea boxes are so pretty and perfect for a picnic. While I watch the virtual events in October, maybe I’ll construct a tea box for myself while I watch.
Have a wonderful day,
Pamela Oates
Lady Carnarvon, I went out to get your book Lady Almina. I am enjoying it so very much. The way you write it is like being right there. Also I ordered the embroidered bag of lavender and the Her Ladyship mug. Beautiful items. To you and your family, stay healthy and safe. Cheryl
How very kind – thank you
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you for a good story and a memory of mine. In high school, I had a locker with an anniversary code but I didn’t know that is what it was called.
4-18-12
Thank you for the history lesson!
Hugs,
Barb Chapman
Denton, Texas
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I do enjoy your posts. They are great reminders to stop and remember whatever is passed down and to seek out whatever was never mentioned.
On the note of passwords, I wonder if you have come across anything written about electronic password safes (aka vault). Their are many, so research is key (no pun intended). Individuals need only remember a single password to their account, while the administrator manages who has access to any other password. All passwords are encrypted as well.
Best Wishes from Kansas City.
Thank you – I like Highclere’s real presence and I sometimes think we will encrypt our lives rather than live them!
Lady Carnarvon, On your Instagram today it was heartwarming. The love, devotion and being faithful to the ones they love is the very best. It cannot get any better than the love a dog. They are a role model.
This Aug 17 date for 2020 is just about 6 days past my 64 birthday. Always your blogs make good reading.
Happy birthday!
Lady Carnarvon, is Highclere Castle open everyday for visitors? Any rest days for you and your staff? The best are always needed all the time! Cheryl
How kind of you – it is ” full on” at the moment, quite intense. As we move towards the end of September we are offering some smaller tours and not every day so I hope there will be days to pause…
Dear Lady Canarvon,
The tea boxes made me think of the popularity of subscription boxes. I don’t know if they have them in the UK, but for a monthly fee you can get a box full of clothes, make-up, snack foods from different countries, or (my favorite) items that support the environment and/or cottage industries. I don’t want to add to the list of the many things you manage, but a monthly box filled with Highclere/Downton Abbey trinkets, biscuits, nonperishable foods and perhaps recipes or shopping lists for tea that could be themed on each month of the year would be a wonderful way to support the castle for those that cannot see it for themselves. Just a silly idea. But I will look forward to an opportunity to purchase one.
Thank you, again for a wonderful post and bringing everyone to Highclere for a few moments each week.
Kind Regards and Take Care,
It is not. silly idea at all and in fact passed for thought!Thank you