The Christmas trees at Valentines are up, both outside on the circular lawn and inside in the impressive stairwell. Do come and see for yourselves! The whole house is decorated and the scent of cinnamon and oranges pervades throughout.
December starts with a Victorian Christmas weekend, Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 December, organised by Valentines Mansion and sponsored by the Friends of Valentines Mansion who are laying the Victorian Dining Table in the Holcombe Room for an 1861 Christmas. There will be craft stalls and Christmas music, refreshments and much more!
Don’t miss the chance to go up to the top of the house for the Resident Artists’ Open Studios on both days – meet the makers, watch demos, try your hand at silk painting & buy unique, handmade gifts!
Mrs Sarah Ingleby herself will be travelling forwards in time from 1881 to chat to us 2022 visitors about all things Victorian on Saturday afternoon and evening! You’ll be able to find out everything you’ve always wanted to know about the Holcombe and Ingleby families! You might even be able to meet Martha Findlay the housekeeper on the Sunday who can tell you about all the staff at Valentine House in Victorian days, from her husband Alexander the butler, to Eliza the kitchenmaid.
With free entry, free face painting for children, a large Christmas Hamper being raffled, Christmas choirs and refreshments, it’s a weekend not to be missed!
Then on Tuesday December 13th, in the evening, we will be joined by the Crofton Singers who will perform a programme of music to make a wonderful start to The Friends’ annual Christmas social event. Tickets are £10. Refreshments included. After the concert there will be a Treasure Hunt and Christmas Quiz while we socialise and enjoy good company and surroundings.
Please join us on 13th! You can book here or or by using the booking form in your newsletter if you are a member of the Friends.
And if you’re a follower of this blog but haven’t yet joined The Friends, details of how to join, to be part of the past, present and future of this beautiful building, are here.
Here’s wishing our readers all the compliments of the season and a very Happy New Year 2023.
Friends Of Valentines Mansion 