Frampton Court
August 2006
By popular demand we returned to the grounds if this beautiful Grade I listed, 1731 house set in the fascinating village of Frampton on Severn. Home to the Clifford family, the manor of Frampton-on-Severn has been held by them since the 11th century. The estate itself comprises 1500 acres of farmland, woodlands, lakes and wetlands which provided us with some great walks; the dogs loved it!
The two grandest houses on the estate - the timber-framed 16th century Manor house and the 18th century Frampton Court - face each other across the village green, reputed to be the longest in England. Tucked away in Frampton Court's garden is the Orangery, a beautiful and eccentric 18th century garden house, now available for holiday hire.
Such is the attractiveness of the setting that it's often used by the media for their productions. On our last visit it was Vogue magazine doing a fashion shoot, this time it was Bristol Television Film Services filming a new version of Dracula for the BBC. I think it's being shown on Boxing Day.
The rally spanned 5 nights giving us opportunity to visit other local attractions including Slimbridge Wildfowl Trust, Gloucester Docks and Berkeley Castle, which hosted a country fair on the bank holiday Monday. On the Friday morning we enjoyed a communal breakfast with the marshals provided Buck's fizz and orange juice. The following afternoon they topped this with an excellent cream tea.
On the Saturday, following a communal BBQ, we helped the Jinks family celebrate their 50th rally. Area Committee member Paul Philips 'dished the dirt' and Club Chairman John Brailsford made the presentation. Sue produced a lovely cake to mark the occasion (complete with car and caravan) and made sure our glasses were never dry. Cheers Sue!
It was a great long weekend and it was sad to have to leave on the Tuesday. A really big thanks to the marshals Geoff & Carole Way and Dave & Von Hopkins - well done!
Miriam Hughes
Photos © & courtesy Rosemarie Bird & Terry Owen
Click on the image to enlarge
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