Friends of CHCT Annual Lunch
The annual lunch this year was held on the longest day – 21 June – in glorious sunshine at Caerhays Castle, the home of Charles and Lizzy Williams. The castle was designed by John Nash and built in the early years of the 19th century for John Bettesworth Trevanion, but the enterprise bankrupted the family whose home Caerhays had been since the early 15th century. John Trevanion fled to the continent and the castle remained empty for some years, its papier-mâché roof letting in the rain and ruining the contents.
The estate was purchased in the 1850s by the Williams family who rebuilt much of the castle and restored the parish church; successive generations have created the glorious gardens which surround the castle.
Over 80 friends enjoyed a wonderful lunch prepared by committee members, and afterwards were taken on a guided tour of the gardens. St Michael Caerhays church had organised a flower festival a few days previously and a visit to this lovely and ancient building to see the beautiful floral arrangements provided a fitting end to a wonderful day.
We offer our grateful thanks to Mr and Mrs Williams and their extremely helpful staff for all they did to make the event run so smoothly, and to the Nare Hotel for its continuing sponsorship. Your committee is already planning next year’s lunch!
Christine Edwards