Each year the Master of the day organises a weekend in the
country for members of the Company to enjoy some ‘down time’ away from London
and the Livery world. This year the Mistress and I chose the charming City of
Chichester as the venue and put together a series of events to showcase it and
the surrounding area. Invitations went out to all Company members and we were
delighted that a good number responded. Over the ensuing weeks a few fell away
for various reasons but by Friday evening some 13 of us set forth to discover
the charms of this lovely Sussex town.
Checking into the George and Dragon pub right in the centre
of the City and in the pedestrian zone, we made ourselves comfortable with a
very jolly pub supper in the bar. It being Friday night the locals were having
a good time and we all joined in! But at last orders the drinkers dispersed and
we settled down to a very restful night.
After breakfast a walking tour of the City walls beckoned.
Chichester has a myriad of alleys, twittens and lanes to explore all crammed
with flint cottages, grand town houses and all stops in between. We led our
party along the walls and down towards the Cathedral via the Bishops Garden
which looked splendid in the dappled sunshine. Then to the Cathedral itself where
a guided tour had been laid on. The guide was aware we were from the Water
Conservators and so had a few watery facts about the Cathedral up his sleeve!
The gesture was very much appreciated.
Back to the car park for a short drive to Itchenor for lunch
at the Ship. Standing on the edge of Chichester Harbour, Itchenor has a lovely
little hard and after a snack lunch we boarded the Canberra for 90-minute tour
of the waterways. It was utterly delightful on a crisp, sunny May afternoon to
glide down the river towards East Head and the Witterings, slipping in and out
of the vast armada of sailing dinghies all it seemed, in race mode. But we
managed to miss them all due to the expertise of our Captain and tour guide.
Back on dry land we made tracks for Chichester again and
after a welcome cup of tea and a bit of a kip, it was time for drinks before
dinner. This was held at Purchases Restaurant, a very lively and efficient establishment
within walking distance of the pub. The atmosphere was cracking and the food
and service superb. We sat in the garden under the heaters along with what felt
like half of Chichester and we all had a thoroughly good time!
Sunday dawned even sunnier and we set off the West Dean
Gardens, stopping on the way on the Trundle next to Goodwood Racecourse where superb
360⁰views
were laid out before us. Then down to West Dean for a tour of the glasshouses,
sunken garden, Long Walk and yet more wonderful views.
After a light lunch we headed next door to the Weald and
Downland Open Air Museum at Singleton where a whole village of rescued and
restored ancient buildings have been amassed. A truly fascinating afternoon
witnessing the ways our forebears lived, worked and raised their families. Time
were pretty hard back then!
And so ended a wonderful couple of days. Everything seemed
to go ok and we all departed firmer friends then when we had arrived! Another manifestation
of the power of the Livery and the good fellowship it engenders. Here’s to the
next Masters Weekend in Dorset in September!
Pictures show members outside the Assembly Rooms in
Chichester, on-board the Canberra, enjoying dinner at Purchases Restaurant, the
Long Walk at West Dean and the Masters new Tudor throne!
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