Sharing
Sharing
I settled back in the chair – it was so comfortable and wide, the lights had been turned down and we were all waiting with anticipation. The familiar music began to build just before the Castle, with golden inspiring turrets appeared on the huge screen. It was the opening titles of Downton Abbey promising reassurance and wit happily leading us along into the twists and turns of much loved fictional characters.
Behind me the audience applauded and turning around in my chair I could half see the smiling faces and feel the excited anticipation. As the episode unfolded sometimes the whole cinema held its breath or laughed – everyone took part. For my part, it felt rather surreal and undoubtedly the audience around me all thought they knew Geordie’s and my home and, in a way via the show, had become frequent visitors.
This particular screening took place some time ago in Vancouver: I had been invited to give a talk in order to support the local PBS station. For those less familiar with the acronym, ‘The Public Broadcasting Service’ is a nonprofit USA platform funded by donations, pledge drives and sponsors, which had begun over fifty years ago with an educational as well as an entertainment ethos.
'Downton Abbey' reacquainted many people with PBS which much increased its popularity and thus ability to fundraise and continue to produce or show well produced dramas or other educational programmes without sponsor bias.
I will never forget the sense of togetherness in the cinema that evening, the feeling of sharing: sharing the experience of watching Downton Abbey together, sharing glimpses of past life in a heritage home, sharing the chance to see the paintings or other works of art as backdrops to the various scenes and listening in to the conversations taking place in ‘Downton Abbey’.
The series was not just set inside the Castle, of course the opening credits begin outside with a labrador, the Castle and a glorious Cedar of Lebanon. Some of the scenes took place under the trees or in the gardens, walking through the meadow, driving or riding through the park – all of it sharing glimpses of another world and other lives.
In reality houses such as Highclere have always been shared, ‘wondered and admired’ and in some ways TV is just a modern way to share. Sharing is a basic component of our lives strengthening social ties and ensuring a person’s well-being. According to more scientific papers, the act of sharing releases oxytocin (the bonding hormone), into the body and thus increases feelings of well-being. It has a positive impact on our brain, also triggering dopamine and serotonin which are the neurochemical drivers all of which improve our mood.
The screening in Vancouver was one part of an event – at the heart of the endeavour, I was giving a talk with stories and PowerPoint presentations: once more a way of sharing. Downton is a springboard into each talk which varies according to the purpose of each event. Highclere has had such a long and varied life (at least 1,300 years) and, those who have lived here have faced so many of the problems that we all face whether in society or business.
That event was raising money for PBS, but speaking and receptions at other events in other USA cities and states have raised money for American education charities or historic houses, mental health charities, museums, the Dallas arboretums, or various charities supported by arts and antique fairs in a number of States etc. I enjoy it. Some of the talks are in smaller venues others have been for 2,200 people. Once more it is about sharing and taking everyone on a journey for the time I am given. I am not quite sure how many selfies have been involved or how many books signed but again, it is all a different way of sharing!
Returning to Highclere after each event I return to a home shared in fact with all those who work here with us. Walking into any room there may well be someone else in there, and if there are water marks on a wall I may be able to share knowledge of the relevant drain pipe probably blocked with autumn leaves!
Sharing builds stronger relationships with someone else and expresses trust thus we can all experience a sense of happiness. Whilst some of my talks are for companies where ownership is structured around shares as units of equity, my focus is on the idea that we share common values thus engendering a sense of connection: sharing equals empathy.
“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously” - apparently God loves a cheerful giver.
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48 Comments
I do so enjoy your essays! Full of insight and warmth.
Thank you.
Another wonderful blog entry. Thank you Lady Carnarvon.
Yes - "It is better to give, then to receive."
I so enjoy your blog. I can't imagine Downton Abbey any where but Highclere.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Once again you ever so sweetly remind me of just how small a world this is to share. Thank you for reminding all of us about the pleasures of sharing both the tangible and the intangible with others.
For me I had the surprise and distinct pleasure of meeting you one evening whilst onboard a Viking cruise ship. We were temporarily stranded for a repair in Tilbury. I cherish the books that you autographed and gifted to my husband and myself that evening.
Thank you for being a person that does share much for the pleasure and education of others. May God continue to richly bless you for all you do.
Warmly,
Harvest season, perfect timing for an article on sharing. Our little town of Battersea just celebrated our 30th anniversary of Pumpkinfest - a day to put on a show, share the best of our village with locals and visitors. Live music, crafts, games, cookie decorating, storytelling, vendors market, pie social, nature walks, voyageur canoe paddles, history tent. At the end of the day all the happy volunteers collapse - gather to enjoy a meal, share the events of the day - good, not so good and hilarious. The money collected will then circulate back into community needs and the funds required for next year's festival.
It looks like your History Festival enjoyed the same fine weather over there, wonderful!
What a lovely thought Baroness, at a time in the US, when we seem to be sharing less as we approach the eve of our much anticipated election. The Gods in Heaven keep inflicting disasters on us to compel us to share lovingly or, at least, that’s how I read the tea leaves. As we watch homes float downriver from the ravages of Helene, I am hoping and praying that there is an outpouring of sharing thus renewing our innate charity, our loving embrace!
Thank you for sharing your gorgeous home with the world. It has given many TV viewers much pleasure and Downton has reminded us of the world of yesterday. I so look forward to the next movie and the latest chapter in all the lives who live there, And seeing this lovely 1,300 year old home. You have been very generous.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Diana here from PBS in Vancouver -- thank you again for coming to speak with our loyal PBS fans in this part of Canada. You made celebrating the finale of the Downton Abby series so special and memorable for all who attended. Your Monday morning posts are also so special and I enjoy starting my week reading your thoughtful posts.
BEAUTIFUL STORY .
Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful home with the world. I was fortunate enough to visit about 8 years ago and experience the castle’s rich history, both from a historical perspective as a working manor and from the wonderful role it plays as the backdrop for Downton Abbey. Highclere is a beautiful and magical place.
Lovely the pictures of sharing did you and lord Carnarvon have a nice weekend and lam fan of Downton Abbey and highcelere castle
Lady Carnarvon, I hope to hear you speak in a USA city near me one day. Thank you for mentioning the positive effects that sharing has for the giver and receiver. And thank you for sharing Highclere with the world.
Eloquent, as always. Thank you, Lady Carnarvon.
Thank you Jennifer. I'm delighted to hear you are enjoying my books.
Best wishes
Lady Carnarvon
Lady Carnarvon,
Your many ‘friends’ are so pleased each time you write another story. We so look forward to reading the next story, either centuries old or in the news today. My husband and I discovered Downton Abbey through PBS and remain grateful! Hope your week is full of sunshine and new opportunities to share.
Martha
Thank you for sharing Highclere Castle with the world. I respect all the work you do to keep Highclere running and available for everyone to enjoy for years to come.
What a wonderful experience that must have been for you, Lady Carnarvon. Enjoying a movie with others is always such a good time. I saw Jaws in the theater when it first came out and still remember the shrieks and screams and how everyone stood up cheering and clapping when the shark blew up.
PBS has been a staple in my tv viewing since 1970. My family has donated over the years and now I am a sustaining member for Weta, the Washington DC PBS outlet.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with the world so that we could all enjoy “Downton Abbey”.
Cynthia
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you, once again, for a beautiful blog.
Thank you for sharing......
Love to all at Highclere,
Caroline
Thank you for sharing your beautiful home as part of Downton Abbey and also with the fans I was able to visit this past August and felt like I was part of a fairytale. I sat on that bench under that enormous gorgeous tree and was actually unable to take all of it in.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful home as part of Downton Abbey and also with the fans I was able to visit this past August and felt like I was part of a fairytale. I sat on that bench under that enormous gorgeous tree and was actually unable to take all of it in. Everyone was lovely and welcoming. Maybe if I’m lucky I’ll get back again one day.!
Thank you so much - i8t was a magic trip and I loved Vancouver!
Thank you!
Thank you for another wonderful blog.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you for sharing your home in these essays, on the screen, and in person, for those of us fortunate enough to visit. My husband and I toured Highclere on August 29th during our first trip to England (our first venture across the Atlantic). I had long told him that if we were to ever visit England it had to be during one of the weeks when Highclere was open to the public.
Our time at Highclere was one of my favorite days of our 2-1/2 week vacation. We loved every room, talking to one of the staff about Maggie Smith, strolling through your beautiful garden, having tea, and just sitting and enjoying the view of the house on a perfect summer day. It was an experience that I will remember the rest of my life. Now I need to rewatch all my “Downton” DVDs and remember walking through your beautiful home. Thank you for sharing it with all of us.
Dear Lady Carnarvon
Thank you so much for your weekly thoughts. I look forward to them each Monday as a huge fan of Downton and Highclere. After watching an episode of the show and ‘going up’ stairs to bed, I often feel as if I were ‘Robert’ doing the same.
You are a wonderful writer. I thoroughly enjoyed “The Earl and The Pharaoh”, received at a tour of your home, and look forward to reading more of your books.
I am so glad you were able to share your talks for PBS. Because of Downton I became a member.
Can hardly wait for the third movie and look forward to seeing you again next Fall at Highclere.
Thank you once again.
Greg Q.
Thank you for “sharing” your thoughts and knowledge with us every week in your blog, always related in some way to Highclere Castle, our natural world, history, literature or our relationships to each other. You are “sharing” your time with us every week also, and it is very much appreciated by so many. Highclere Castle and Downton Abbey may be the original links but you have expanded the realm of your musings into so many areas, all relevant to our different lives. I look forward to my Monday morning read every week! Thank you for simply being you!
Thank you for sharing. Would love it if you could do a talk in Iowa someday. I was fortunate to have had a chance to visit in 2016, and can still remember the feeling of wonder when the bus pulled up and we got to walk in the front door to a place that, to loosely paraphrase an old John Denver song about visiting the Rocky Mountians, felt like home but had never been before. We have visited numerous places from various films, but to be in the place where we had spent so many TV hours, with a family and staff we knew well, was truly amazing. We have been to various parts of the UK at least 4 times since, but have not had the chance to return. I would like to very much again, as our day was pouring down rain, so we did not have a chance to explore the grounds like I had hoped. Thank you for opening your hime and making Highclere a part of so many lives.
Thank you for sharing the information about Downton Abbey. Two weeks ago I had a chance to see Highclere Castle during a talk with Alan Titchmarsh. Having driven past the entrance for many years, it was good to see the majestic house. A great experience.
My dearest Lady C,
Thank you so much Lady Fiona.
I am so delighted and enjoying yours books and blogs.
Lovely autumn for all in this lovely home.
Memorabile...
VILA ALEMÃ
RIO CLARO-SP
BRAZIL.
Dear Lady Carnarvon:
Thank you for this Monday's blog, and for continuing to share your home, Highclere Castle, with everyone.
I have been a renewing supporter of my local (Detroit, Michigan) PBS station for many years. Perhaps at a future date you will be invited to come and speak at one of its many fundraising events.
Until next week, all the best to you.
Perpetua Crawford
Thank you for such lovely reminder.
I live in Vancouver, and I wish I had known about this event as I am also a supporter of PBS and their programming has educated me and my children for many years.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with the wider world.
A beautiful blog ,how nice to share your home with Downton Abbey ,thankyou
I'm so looking forward to seeing the new Downton Abbey film when it opens in the USA. I've loved the earlier films.
It was such a treat for me!
That would be great
I am so glad. - that is my instagram post today!
We are still having too much rain
Thank you so much for sharing your home with Downton Abby, This was a special delight & today it's my 51st Wedding Anniversary. I can't wait till Downton Abby comes to the USA next September!!
Have a Love week,
Barbara B
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you for generously sharing the beauty and history of Highclere Castle with the world. Your passion and dedication bring its enchanting stories to life, allowing us to experience its magic. We are truly grateful for your efforts in preserving this remarkable treasure for future generations.
Warmest regards,
An
Lady Carnarvon. sharing is caring about someone physically and emotionally. That person will be rewarded in their life.
Lady Carnarvon,
Downtown Abbey has really become part of our lives. During the crisis time in our country and the world, the series has made us more hopeful for the future. We are thankful for PBS and charities that support it. It is a wonderful channel for culture, art, education and the best of British television, such as Downtown. It has been my favorite for many years. Looking forward to enjoy the new movie at home on PBS. Thanking you for all your support and labor of love.
Lady Carnarvon, As an American, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Downtown Abbey and during my last visit to London knew I had to visit Highclere. It was without a doubt the highlight of my trip and my admiration for all you and your husband have done to share your home and its story is immeasurable. Thank you for preserving and sharing your magnificent legacy!
I, too, remember the feeling of being in a dark theater, seeing the castle from an aerial view like we never had, SHARING excitement. Love this message and the tidbit of science in it. You’ve encouraged me to share.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you for your lovely and interesting postings.
As we move toward winter, we have a late fall with the trees all turning orange and gold....splendid.............I'm sure Highclere must be looking beautiful
Wishing you kind wishes and thank you again.
Angela
Wonderfully said.
This is a wonderful article. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Nilda Cepero--poet and editor
Lovely as always. Highclere is indeed such a wonderful house.