Hylands Experience Day

by Wendy Hibbitt

On May 11th we held our Hylands Experience Day when 15 members and friends gathered to learn all about Hylands House and gardens. The day started with a talk by Dawn Hoyle, Education Officer at Hylands, who told us about how the great landscape designers, Capability Brown and Humphrey Repton had helped to influence the design of the gardens. We then wandered into the pleasure gardens to see for ourselves, and also admire the colourful rhododendron displays. The Repton Rose Basket that the Friends have financed has now been planted up and is looking good. The roses will take a little time to establish but it is well worth a visit. The garden volunteers were busy planting up the Victorian style beds and the One World Garden is now well established and colourful.

After an excellent lunch of a ploughman's salad and apple pie and cream prepared by Babs, Alf, Pam, Ceri Lowen took the guests on a tour of the house adding information on the owners and also how the restoration was completed. Following a refreshing cup of tea and homemade cake the last event of the day was a talk by Wendy Hibbitt, local historian, about Hylands its owners and their connections with Writtle. Everyone went home tired but with a much greater insight into the history of Hylands House.

The Hylands Experience Day was originally the idea of Patrick Bermingham, and has been organised in May for over 10 years. Unfortunately due to declining numbers this will be the last one organised by "The Friends" as the Borough Council puts on similar events. Thanks to everyone who made the day so enjoyable.