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With February and Valentine’s Day just around the corner we have been thoroughly enjoying looking back over some of the glorious weddings held at Painshill.

One of our favourite moments of 2021 was watching Jamie and Corinne tie the knot. They chose, not only to have their ceremony at Painshill, but to spend the whole of their special day with us. From walking down the aisle to the first dance they celebrated in style outside in our stunning landscape.

Creating an outdoorsy, boho chic vibe Jamie and Corinne really made the very most of the garden setting. The fully licensed Gothic Temple was spectacularly dressed in an abundance of colourful seasonal blooms by Cutting Garden Events.

They turned the Amphitheatre into a space with a real fairy tale forest feel. Wooden tables, barrels and swing chairs created an informal and relaxed atmosphere, while music from a string quartet infused elegance. A marquee was put up in case of showers but the weather allowed their guests to eat, drank and dance outside all day under the summer sky.

“Jamie and Corrine combined the sophistication and elegance of our 18^th century landscape with a romantic relaxed vibe in such a beautiful way. It was a pleasure to ensure their day was a very special one” Emma, Weddings Co-Ordinator

The bohemian romantic ambiance continued into the evening when a buffet style dinner was supplied by Four Gables and the guests were treated to music from City Sounds outside in the natural surroundings.   

Painshill boosts magnificent locations for photos together and Jamie and Corinne had moments to themselves while taking in the romantic views around the Gothic Temple and the vineyard.

Photography is by Murray Clarke.

If you are feeling inspired this Valentine’s Day drop Emma a line on weddings@painshill.co.uk to come and see the views for yourself.

Are you looking for an alternative to Christmas cards this year?

With fun, personalised eCards on DontSendMeACard you get to support Painshill with what you would have normally spent on cards and stamps. It’s faster and helps save the planet too. DontSendMeACard helps you every step of the way to set up an eCard with a beautiful picture of Painshill.

Your donations will help us urgently replace the Woollett Bridge at Painshill. 

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The Woollett Bridge sits on the west side of Grotto Island. It forms part of the historic route and is vital to the landscape. In December 2019 and again in February 2020 Painshill flooded. The bridge, made of softwood timber, was under water for about two weeks and has never fully recovered. Painshill Park Trust is raising money to replace the bridge, so that the historic route is maintained for visitors for many years to come.

On DontSendMeACard you can send up to 100 cards, personalise them to your friends and family and donate to help our small charity this Christmas.

A monster, a witch, a fledgling bird, and magical pixies all featured in the winning entries for a short story competition run by Painshill Park in Surrey to celebrate the 250th birthday of its dazzling crystal grotto.

Painshill invited budding writers to pen a 250-word story inspired by the unearthly beauty of the enchanting manmade feature at the award-winning 18^th century landscape garden.

Stories were judged by a panel of experts including Lorraine Piddington, author of children’s books The Aliens Who Loved Lemon Curd and Pete from Pluto and his Perfect Pies, and Painshill director Paul Griffiths.

The winning entries were written by Theodor Ridgwell in the 12 years and under category, and Virgina Vivian and Courtney Roast in the 18 and over category. Each winner received a year’s membership to Painshill.

The Rainbow Grotto, by three-year-old Theodor Ridgwell, tells the tale of a monster who has lived alone for 100 years until his world is brightened by the arrival of a friendly witch who turns his cave into a dazzling crystal grotto.

In Virginia Vivian’s The Grotto of Enchantment, a mother sees the magical grotto through the eyes of a child, and Courtney Roast’s spellbinding tale reveals the pixies who work hard each night to polish and shine the sparkling crystals.

Painshill director Paul Griffiths said: “Entrants were invited to submit a 250-word story inspired by the enduring appeal of our beautiful crystal grotto, which is 250 years old this year.

“We wanted to be enchanted and dazzled – just as the grotto has been dazzling visitors since it was created by designer Joseph Lane in the 1700s.

“The entries we received surprised and delighted us. They were all of a very high standard, and the three winners really captured our imagination with their vivid story-telling.”

There’s enchantment in the frosty air at Painshill as the usually silent woods rustle with the sound of fairy wings.

Magical fairy doors have appeared in the wild banks and woodland as tiny nature spirits take up residence for a short winter break.

As the air turns chilly, the fairies have fluttered to earth and are warming their wings behind a series of enchanting wooden doors set into the gnarled tree trunks and wild grasses.

We invite you to enjoy your very own fairy tale adventure with us as you walk around the woodlands and serpentine lake, seeing how many doors you can spot.

The tiny doors match the magical follies scattered through our grounds – see if you can spot rustic doors around the thatched Hermitage, and a mini temple by the Temple of Bacchus.

Director Paul Griffiths said: “We are delighted that our fairy friends have decided to visit us here at Painshill – it’s the perfect environment for them!

“As nature spirits, their doors have naturally been installed without any harm to the environment, and visitors on the fairy trail can also enjoy the wonderful autumn colours and crunch through fallen leaves.”

The fairy trail will be in place until November 14, and the event is included in the general admission ticket, which must be booked in advance.

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Santa will not be returning to Painshill for Christmas 2021.

We understand the very special place that Santa in the Grotto holds in people’s hearts and, for that reason, we have worked hard to try to make the event viable. We are sorry we cannot do this for Christmas 2021.

In Christmas 2019 the Grotto and the landscape flooded. Painshill Park Trust was forced to cancel Santa and refund thousands of pounds of tickets. The following year we were forced to cancel Tea with Santa when COVID-19 restrictions were enforced.

With COVID-19 and the risk of winter flooding this event would pose too much of a risk for our small charity.

We look forward to welcoming families to our winter trail in the landscape. After our popular and well received Snowfari in 2020, this year will take you to a landscape full of dinosaurs – Snowsaurus! Walk the trail and discover incredible statues including a huge Tyrannosaurus Rex!

We hope you will still make Painshill a day out this season and we very much look forward to welcoming you and your family for a winter walk.

This week (6 – 12 September) is Remember A Charity Week, when charities across the country come together to celebrate the generosity of those who leave a charity gift in their will.

Remember A Charity works with 200 charities across the country to highlight the profound impact people can make on the world they leave behind.

As a small independent charity Painshill relies on donations to survive and ensure the landscape can be enjoyed for generations to come. We believe passionately in keeping this green space green! The restoration work, which started 40 years ago, continues and we are dedicated to seeing Charles Hamilton’s garden design realised once again.

Those who leave a gift in their will ensure this work can continue and we are hugely grateful to everyone who supports us in this way.

Here are 5 reasons to leave a gift to Painshill Park Trust in your will:

1. To Feel Happy

People who leave a gift in their will to a cause or place they love report a huge amount of satisfaction. It can be comforting and wonderful to know that this special place will be passed on to future generations.

2. To Help the Work Live On

Many charities across the country rely on public support. Painshill is no exception. We get over 90% of our income from visitors. Leaving a gift in your will to Painshill helps to continue the work you valued in your life.

3. Reduce Inheritance Tax

A gift to charity is free from inheritance tax and if you leave more than 10% of your estate to charity then the rate of inheritance tax your estate pays reduces from 40% to 36%.

4. To Remember A Loved One

Many people choose to leave a gift to a charity that was important to a loved one, to keep their values alive. Maybe a friend or family member gained a lot from visiting Painshill or family members have enjoyed spending time here on educational activities.

5. We Are All Richer When Charities Thrive

We know people value Painshill for many reasons including its heritage, its green space for nature, the opportunity to volunteer, a place for children to learn and have fun, or for helping with wellbeing during a difficult time. Whatever your reason, charities like Painshill Park Trust play a fundamental role in society. Supporting them creates a better world for all.

Guest Blog written by Alzheimer’s Society

People across Surrey are being called on to unite against dementia by signing up for Alzheimer’s Society’s Memory Walk at Painshill Park, Cobham, on 26 September.

TV Presenter and Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador Ruth Langsford who lost her dad, Dennis, to dementia, will be joining the walk at the stunning 18^th Century landscape garden and is encouraging others to do the same.

Langsford, presenter of ITV’s This Morning and Loose Women, will join hundreds of fundraisers donning their walking shoes to raise vital funds for people affected by dementia, many of whom are in desperate need of support in the wake of the pandemic.

The broadcaster, whose father passed away in 2012, said: “This is a cause close to my heart because I lost my dad to Alzheimer’s and I know how devastating the condition is for those diagnosed and their families.

“I’m walking in loving memory of my dad, who I miss every day. I am lucky enough to have participated in several Memory Walks, and they are always a wonderful way to celebrate and remember a loved one who has been impacted by dementia.

“After a difficult year for everyone, but particularly for those living with dementia, there’s never been a better time to lace up your boots, and I’d encourage anyone who can to come along by signing up today.

“Money raised will help Alzheimer’s Society reach and support more people through the charity’s vital services, like the Dementia Connect support line, which have been a lifeline for thousands of people.”

Hundreds of people have already joined the presenter by signing up for the walk at Painshill Park, Cobham, on 26 September. People can also organise their own Memory Walk at a time and location of their choice with a group of close friends and family. However people choose to take part, money raised will help Alzheimer’s Society continue to support the 17,000 people living with dementia in Surrey through its vital services (like the Dementia Connect support line) which have been used over 5 and a half million times throughout the UK since March 2020.

People affected by dementia, worst hit by coronavirus, face a difficult road to recovery as a result of thousands having symptoms increase and mental health deteriorating due to a lack of social contact, routine and interruptions to essential care and support. Alzheimer’s Society’s crucial work has never been more needed.

Sue Beechy, Alzheimer’s Society’s Area Manager, said: “We’re calling on people with dementia, family, friends and teams from across Surrey to unite against dementia this Autumn.

“We’re very grateful for Ruth Langsford’s continued support of our Surrey Memory Walk and would encourage everyone to get involved in what is always a fun and moving day.

“Not only has the pandemic left a gaping hole in the hearts of grieving families across Surrey, but many are also struggling to cope watching their surviving loved one become a shell of the person they once were. Whether you decide to take part on the day at Painshill Park, or to walk with a small group of friends and family in your local area, all that matters is that we unite against dementia and continue to support people who need it most.”

Visit memorywalk.org.uk to find out more about taking part in Alzheimer’s Society’s Surrey Memory Walk on 26 September.

Painshill is delighted to have teamed up with Coppa Club in Cobham to bring you a fabulous cocktail this August. It’s called Folly Fizz!

Head down to the friendly Cobham bar and restaurant to try Painshill Kitchen Garden Gin in a cocktail created by the Coppa Club team.

Painshill Kitchen Garden Gin is a refreshing blend of lemon balm, lovage and shredded rhubarb. It is distilled in partnership with The Gin Kitchen, Dorking with ingredients grown at Painshill by our landscape team. Bottles are available to buy in the Painshill Gift Shop but this is the first time it has been on sale in a local bar in our Cobham community.

The Coppa Club, which opened a branch in Cobham this year, is a relaxed, welcoming venue serving thoughtful and unfussy food.

Famous for their roof top igloos, you can sit back and enjoy delicious food in a comfortable setting.

For every Painshill Kitchen Garden Gin cocktail sold by Coppa Club in Cobham, £1 will be donated to Painshill Park Trust to support the continued restoration and maintenance of Painshill.

This means that when you treat yourself to Folly Fizz cocktail at Coppa you are helping to protect the landscape.

The Trustees and Director of Painshill Park Trust are delighted to announce that Sir Stephen Lamport GCVO DL has been appointed as the Trust’s new Chairman.

Sir Stephen has been a Trustee of Painshill Park Trust since 2019 and has had a home near Cobham for nearly four decades.  Previously a member of HM Diplomatic Service, serving in New York, Tehran and Rome, he then moved to the Royal Household for ten years, where he was Private Secretary to The Prince of Wales.  He was subsequently a Director of The Royal Bank of Scotland for five years, and latterly spent ten years as the Receiver General of Westminster Abbey, from where he retired in 2018.

Sir Stephen sits on a number of charitable and commercial boards.  He is Chairman of the British Red Cross Solidarity Fund and a Senior Adviser to Sanctuary Counsel.  He was appointed GCVO in 2018 and became the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey in 2020.

Sir Stephen said, “I am delighted to take up the role of Chairman for Painshill Park Trust. The Painshill landscape is an extremely important piece of England’s heritage and I look forward to working with the Trustees and staff to ensure we can continue to restore and protect it for current and future generations.”

Director of Painshill, Paul Griffiths said, “It is an honour to have Sir Stephen as our Chairman. He brings a wealth of expertise and experience to Painshill. Under his leadership, awareness of Painshill’s significance can only grow and together we can ensure Painshill will thrive into the future.”

Sir Stephen, the Trustees and the staff would like to thank former Chairman Richard Reay-Smith throughout his many years of service, passion and commitment to Painshill. Richard was a member of Elmbridge Council and was Chairman of the committee responsible for acquiring the major part of Painshill and establishing Painshill Park Trust forty years ago. He was the Trust’s first Chairman from 1981 to 1985 and resumed the Chairmanship in 2018. Richard will continue to be a Trustee of Painshill Park Trust.

1. Write a story about the Crystal Grotto

After being closed for much of 2020 we are delighted that the Crystal Grotto is open for visitors this summer (closed on Mondays for maintenance). Bring along your camera and take some fabulous family photos in this sparkling crystal cave.

We are celebrating 250^th years since it was first created by Charles Hamilton. Write a 250 word story, inspired by the Grotto, and you could win a free family membership!

FIND OUT MORE AND ENTER

2. Bring along a picnic

Summer is the time to spend a whole day at Painshill. After walking the grounds and discovering the follies, spread out your blanket by the lake or on top of a hill.

While the children run free in acres of meadow you can enjoy the location that was used in smash hit Netflix show Bridgerton for the characters’ picnic.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

3. Spot butterflies

The Painshill meadows and woodlands are full of butterflies at this time of year. Take a walk and see which species you can spot.

If you would like to record your findings why not get involved with the National Big Butterfly Count and see what else has been sighted in the area.

FIND OUT MORE

4. Enjoy Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Tea is back at Painshill and children are welcome to join. Children’s prices are available because everyone loves cake and scones!

The price of the tea includes entry into the grounds so you can also enjoy the landscape before or after you indulge in some yummy treats.

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5. Pick up a summer holiday activity card

This summer holiday free activity cards can be found at the Visitor Centre.

Each card has a different Forest School activity on it. Whether you create a piece of wild art or make a fairy home these activities are a brilliant way for children to engage with nature.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

6. Paint Your Own Pottery

On 17 August join All Fired Up for a paint your own pottery session.

Children’s figures are available to paint including a knight, a princess or a dragon. Get the creative juices flowing with this hands-on family workshop.

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7. Visit the Natural Play Area

The Painshill natural play area is a great spot to include in your visit. Natural balance logs, dens and stepping stones allow little ones to get back to nature.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

8. Treat yourself to ice-cream

Luxury, creamy and utterly delish ice-cream (believe us – we have tried it!) is available from the catering hut or in the Tea Room.

On a hot summer day why not try some of the fabulous flavours.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

9. Listen to some Jazz

Every Sunday afternoon in August there will be Jazz music on the Amphitheatre. Perfect for all generations of the family, everyone can enjoy the view over the vineyard, listen to the music and take some time together.

Plus there will be a bar for the adults in the party!

PLAN YOUR VISIT

10, Watch The Greatest Showman on the big screen

Children’s tickets are available for the PG screening of The Greatest Showman on Sunday 22 August. Watch the sun go down over the landscape, enjoy dinner from our food and drink stalls and then sit back and delight in the feel good film.

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