Issue 17 ONLY TIME WILL April 2013 TELL…….

our pool of keen, enthusi- others or any comments astic volunteers to be at you would like to make the ready for when the about your hopes for the time comes. re-opening of Arundells. If you have visited, what do you feel would add to If you live near enough to your enjoyment of another give some time in this way visit? Do let us know by please make contact so we contacting me through the know who you are and editorial email address on Stevie Paul have your contact details. the back page. Easter has come and gone You can do this by Meanwhile I hope Spring and Arundell’s remains emailing Membership at least has opened its firmly closed …. but we Secretary Ron Carter at doors at last and your gar- are all very optimistic that [email protected]. den, like the lovely one its doors will be opened around Arundells, is be- some time this summer ginning to wake up. and we are still hoping I hope you enjoy this that this will signal prepa- newsletter. Do let us know rations for a new chapter if you have any personal Stevie Paul….Editor. in the story of Sir Ed- memories about Sir Ed- ward’s home. ward which would interest

Meanwhile it is important to stress that a good num- ber of volunteers will be needed if a new opening scheme comes to pass. We Notes from the Chairman have a very strong core of volunteers who worked I am writing to give you all

Working to theArundells Nation. for to save WorkingWorking Arundells save Nation. the for to hard last year as Room an update on Arundells.

Stewards on the Thursday There is much happening

free flow days. Many of behind the scenes to produce

them keep in touch by the outcome we all want – regularly meeting at The Arundells open again and Cosy Club in given a long-term sustain-

able future for all to enjoy.

every Thursday afternoon and our pre-Easter lunch BUSINESS NAME was well attended. How- ever, people will be A group of businessmen and needed to do all sorts of politicians , now numbering jobs apart from room around fourteen, are headed Gerald Gibson stewarding in the future by Mr Peter Batey, one of

and it would be helpful if Sir Edward’s former Private

we could start to enlarge Secretaries. They are work- ing hard to agree a business

Newsletter plan with the Trustees which Inside this issue: Supported by among others; will give Arundells the fi- nancial strength it needs for A very different kind of job 2 its future. Meetings between Dame Elisabeth Hoodless the two groups are taking Volunteers welcome spring 4 Robert Buckland MP place regularly and although Robert Walter MP

Our Website 4 there is much to settle the Friends of Arundells of Arundells Friends

Friends of Arundells of Arundells Friends Neil Carmichael MP signs are positive Newsletter Newsletter Next stop ‘Europe - and Beyond’ 5 Charles Kennedy MP We are working closely with

A very special tree 5 Richard Harrington MP Mr Batey and his colleagues

Lord (Alexander) Stockton and with Stuart Craven,the From humble beginnings…. 6 Peter Luff MP Curator of Arundells, to

John Glen MP for Salisbury

ensure that the plans come to fruition, so then the Friends can play a positive role in the future development of Arundells as a vibrant and viable attraction for the city of Salisbury and the country as a whole.

I would ask all of our volunteers , who did such a good job on free-flow days in 2012, to remain available, so that as soon as we are called upon to help we can provide more excellent support. Current plans would see our volunteers undertaking a number of roles, and not just operating as Room Stewards.

The Friends committee have been excel- The committee in session ling. Much time and effort has been put into updating the Newsletter (thanks to Stevie and Ron) and the Friends Web- let us know what you think of the bright Did you Know? - - No 1. site (thanks to Jean and Gordon). new site. Everyone is playing their part Take a look at and some great work is being done by Arundells was originally a 13th cen- tury Canonry and the cross - wing of www.thefriendsofarundells.org.uk and everyone involved on the committee. the medieval house still forms the core of the current building. Gerald Gibson.

A very different kind of Job

was the question of the care and upkeep When Stuart Craven was asked if he recently moved in. The gardens had of the garden to consider. Unknown to would be interested in looking after and re been hard-landscaped but he wanted Stuart, Sir Edward was not in favour of -designing the gardens of No.59 The planting schemes for the borders and having the garden managed by a Com- Close he had no idea that this would be a already had his own ideas of what he pany but preferred to have a permanent job which would pretty well change the wanted the garden to be like. He visual- gardener that he could work alongside whole shape of his career. ised soft curves, hidden places and vis- and get to know. He asked his friend, tas through to the river and water mead- Lord Rothschild, the owner of the won- ows beyond. Before Sir Edward came derful Exbury Gardens in Hampshire for Stuart had trained as a Horticulturalist and the garden had been his advice. Lord Rothschild had also been very involved in music, managed alone by the Sir Edward often came to had already recommended playing string instruments and having a owner, a lady of 90 yrs the original Landscapers great interest in music of all kinds. He had old, so there was an aw- talk to Stuart whilst he through his own Landscape also studied Art and retained his interest ful lot to be done. Stuart team and they came to dis- in this as a hobby. He had been Head Gar- and Sir Edward together was working. cuss it with Sir Edward and dener in many large houses in Surrey until planned the garden and Stuart, recommending him the house where he was working in 1984 Stuart set to work. was sold and turned into a Convalescent for the permanent job as he already home. He then applied to work for a knew the garden and the conditions in the area. Landscape Design Company in Salisbury Sir Edward often came to talk to Stuart and was given the job of Head Gardener whilst he was working. They started with particular responsibility for the de- discussing the work in hand and the Sir Edward knew that Stuart was em- sign and care of the gardens of four large weather. Later, as Sir Edward came to ployed by a Company already and felt a houses in The Cathedral Close, one of know Stuart better he began to discuss little uneasy about asking Stuart di- which was No.59, Arundells. Art and Music and Stuart realised that rectly. He was visited by his friend, Dr. they had a lot in common. Bunny Warren, the Queen’s Physician, At Arundells Sir had . As the work reached completion there and he sent him down the garden to put the idea to Stuart. Apart from being on a

Page 2 NEWSLETT ER

contract to his Company, Stuart was not Sir Edward was often away a lot. He him that he knew all his moods and he sure if he wanted to be tied to a garden missed his home and would ask Stuart knew how best to approach him. He when the owner, already 70, may not be to live in and be able to take phone calls remembers Sir Edward as a man with a around long enough to guarantee him a from him whatever the time of the day strong loyalty and warmth, not only to long-term career. However, he was or night, according to where in the his staff but also to their families. When aware that his current employer was world he was travelling. He wanted to Stuart brought his parents to see where know how things were running at he worked Sir Edward greeted them home, to be able to make arrange- warmly and encouraged them to make ments through Stuart for coming themselves at home. He was always events at the house….he was a man interested in how the garden was devel- who entertained people from all oping and would often test Stuart on the walks of life who had made their common names of certain trees and mark in some way. Stuart remem- plants having just looked them up! Stu- bers that when Sir Edward came art would take in his coffee, see the home he would walk down into the book on the side table and knew that he garden and say “Now I am home”.

Housekeepers were always coming and going. Sir Edward seemed to have difficulty in choosing peo- ple who would fit com- fortably into his way of life. Stuart would often Stuart Craven find himself filling in be- tween housekeepers. He would finding it more and more difficult to make the coffee and the after- continue in business and was likely to noon tea, lunch and an evening cease trading in the near future, so he meal. He would direct the told Dr Warren that he would consider it and Sir Edward then asked to interview cleaner and generally see to the smooth running of all the do- him. A quiet corner to sit in the garden A very different kind of Job employed and their employer was at last ouredmestic when arrangements the Trustees until asked the him to from Sir Edward was a great help to him Thisable towas return when home Stuart and realised enjoy thatthe resta of carrynext candidatethe Garter was into appointed. Salisbury Cathe- now and his life there. Stuart and Pam ran the dral at the funeral service. Sir Edward was about to be tested on his knowledge whole new career was in front of him. Nothouse only and was organised he being the asked Nursing to manage Staff, was a Knight of the Order of the Garter. of the Latin names! looking after him themselves and caring and organise the maintenance of the Having studied Music and Art himself housefor his and many gardens guests but and visitors. They Stuart would have many a alsowere in both effect with to Sirbe SirEdward whenDuring he the interviewStuart Stuart was thendiscussion asked to beginwith “thethe proc- As time went on Sir Edward depended on Stuart more and more. He would ask Edward’sdied in July right 2005. hand man. only had an inklingess of beingwhat theBoss” Curator as they of the called House him. Stevie Paul. and Collection so the House could be Stuart to be around when he was show- Over the next 27 years He would also sift out the Stuart would be called his new position wouldopened entail to the publicrequired as musicSir Edward from Sirhad ing guests his collection and when Sir uponSir Edward’s to be everything death was very much a wished. The trainingEdwards’s Stuart large had collec- received Edward’s memory failed him he would frompersonal Gardener, loss for to Stuart. House He was hon- tion in time for a concert ask Stuart to remind him of artist’s manager, from P.A. to part-time House- that his employer was conducting. To- names and other details about his arte- keeper. Then eventually to be the Cura- gether they would check it and get it facts. In this way Stuart was unknow- tor of the wonderful collection of Art, ready for the performance. Stuart would ingly receiving training for the job he China and artefacts that Sir Edward so go with him to make sure everything was to do in the future. He also liked loved. was in place. Stuart to accompany him sometimes on his visits to the local hostelries for a quiet drink, always accompanied also by During the interview Stuart only had an It was a demanding job. Stuart would one of his security men. inkling of what his new position would often get calls at the week-end to come entail but he was happy to agree. He in for one task or another. On the other realised that Sir Edward had chosen him hand, he received much kindness and In 2003 Sir Edward became ill at the because they had a lot of interests in consideration from Sir Edward. When Saltzberg Music Festival and was hospi- common, they got on well and both he had his own problems The Boss gave talized in Saltzberg and London. He was respected and had a loyalty towards him support and helped him where he away from Arundells for 9 months but each other. It would always be employer could. he missed his home. By this time he had and employee but there was an element a very reliable and caring Housekeeper of friendship there which was always in in Pam. She and Stuart persuaded Sir the background. Although his employer was a private Edward that he could be cared for at man, Stuart spent so much time with home. A stair lift was fitted and nurses

ISSUE 17 Page 3 employed and The Boss was at last able seen to, apart from the care of the gar- to return home and enjoy the rest of his dens. He is responsible for the security life there. Stuart and Pam ran the house of the House and Collection and it is and organised the nursing staff, looking nothing to be called out from his home after him themselves and caring for his in the middle of the night when an alarm many guests and visitors. They were both goes off (usually a fault in the alarm with Sir Edward when he died in July happily). The day I met him to talk to he 2005. was sitting in several layers of clothing in his office on a very cold day when the boiler had broken down yet again. Sir Edward’s death was very much a personal loss for Stuart. He was hon- oured when the Trustees asked him to Stuart has had a very unusual and inter- carry the Garter into Salisbury Cathedral esting career despite the hard work and I at the cathedral service. Sir Edward was for one think Sir Edward was very lucky a Knight of the Order of the Garter. to have found a gardener with so many- The rear of the house showing hidden talents as well as such a caring

an immaculate lawn and loyal employee and friend. Stuart was then asked to begin the proc- ess of being the Curator of the House and Stevie Paul Collection so the House could be opened At the present time, whilst decisions are to the public as Sir Edward had wished. being made for the future Stuart works Did you Know? - - No 2 The training Stuart had received from Sir together with the Trustees and the Edward was a great help to him now and Friends of Arundells to help towards the The last Canon to live in Arundells left he also did a lot of research and study so next step in the life of this beautiful in 1652. Canon Leonard Bilson was that he could fulfil his role profession- House. Life at Arundells is very busy deprived of his Canonry for practicing Witchcraft! ally. with so much renovation needed and Volunteers Welcome Spring Our Website On the 7th March about 30 of the core of needed to help in the administration, the Please note that our website now has a local volunteers met up together for campaigning and the production of new look! We have a new colourful lunch in the Grasmere Hotel in Salis- Newsletters and Leaflets which give “Home” page which hopefully you will bury. Many were eager for news about a information to people all over the coun- find easier and quicker to navigate possible opening of Arundells so that try, both Friends of Arundells and other- through the various pages. We have they could again steward in the House wise. The Committee are working hard refreshed the website by taking out or perform other tasks which will be to further the cause of re-opening the some information that was out of date needed. Although no decisions have yet house and to working together with the and been overtaken by events. We have been made the Trustees and the Peter combined some of the pages to reduce volunteers are as Batey Group to this end. the overall number of pages for easier keen as ever to navigation throughout the site and we Anyone wishing to join help. Getting have also re-designed the content of together after the the volunteers can be some of the pages to make them easier assured of a warm wel- winter helped to to follow. We also have an important come. It is a very reinforce their page called “Latest News” at the front friendly and enthusiastic commitment to of the site which we will continually group who are keen to Sir Edward to update so that you are kept informed of help to carry out ex- all the latest developments. The credit pand his wishes with for our “new look” website goes to Jean their regard to his Carter and quite by coincidence she is home and collec- num- currently attending a course on website bers. tion. design! No doubt there will be some There more innovations to come on our web- It was a very good-humoured oc- will site! If anyone has any ideas for im- casion. We were all glad that be provement or items for inclusion on our Friends President Tony Burnside much website, please let us know. We would was able to join us and Vice Chair- to do very much like to hear from you. man Bob Hayes gave us all a run- in the down of the latest news on the fu- Gordon MacDougall prospective future of Arundells. ture.

The food was very good and a raffle Thank you to John Seymour and Jan was held which raised £70 towards the Going for arranging the lunch and to Jan funds of The Friends. Funds are always for the photos. Stevie Paul.

Page 4 NEWSLETT ER Next Stop ‘ Europe - And Beyond’ by John Potter

While we await news of the future of In May 1974, Heath met up with Chair- We could work with local schools host- Arundells, we have been busy planning man Mao in Beijing. “Perhaps,” he sug- ing events for their overseas partners. for that future. As I write, nothing is gested to the Chinese leader, “ The U.K. Sarum Academy in the Cathedral Close certain, beyond the fact that so many can offer some assistance you need in has links with South Africa, South Wilts good things could be initiated from the the ways of technology and skills.” He Grammar School, Salisbury with China. House. Thanks to the timely interven- was referring to agriculture. Mao ac- We support the idea of offering exhibi- tion and support of Peter Batey and his cepted gratefully. After a moment’s tions on the first floor in Arundells and colleagues, we are encouraged to look pause Heath then asked, “But how do holding events in a seminar room hid- and plan ahead. The Steering Group has you, Chairman, inspire over 700 million den amongst the trees in the grounds. set up a small team to propose ways in people to unite and work like this?” We could encourage international con- which Arundells might, among other Mao enigmatically responded that it was sultations among professionals, interest things, be developed as a dynamic Cen- a long story! It is no accident that Arun- groups and young people. We could tre for International Friendship and Un- dell’s most resourceful supporter, Peter build partnerships with the local Lan- derstanding. This was a theme close to Batey, is based in the new China, a guage Schools, who increasingly use Sir Edward’s heart. country now symbolised by Shanghai’s Salisbury as a base for study and inspi- Grand Hyatt Hotel ( taller than the Em- ration. Nearby Sarum College welcomes In 1951 the European Union was pire State building) and overseas visitors and has the launched – initially as a “Coal and Steel its 350 kph Maglev capacity to accommodate resi- Community” involving just six nations! We could work with local bullet train to Shanghai dential groups from overseas. This economic partnership between schools hosting events airport. for their overseas part- The Cathedral already offers erstwhile foes was designed by French world class Music, a massive Foreign Minister Robert Schuman, to Our planning group has ners visitor programme and is now prevent further war between France and come up with so many developing its outreach strat- Germany. His declared aim was to exciting ideas for pro- egy. “make war not only unthinkable but moting thoughtful, even challenging, materially impossible”. On 1st January international initiatives for Arundells. Friends who read this will have further 1973 Sir Edward Heath led Britain into We could work with those developing ideas to offer on how Arundells can full membership of the European Eco- partnerships with Salisbury’s twin help to fulfil and develop Sir Edward’s nomic Community ( EEC ). towns in Europe: Xanten in Germany wishes for its future. Do send us your and Saintes in France. We could launch suggestions through the Editorial con- A glance at the signed photographs on policy-linked exchanges with European tact details on the reverse of the Newlet- Sir Edward’s magnificent grand piano and more distant colleagues.. For exam- ter or through contact details given on makes clear his interest in and friend- ple, we could learn from cities such as the Web site. ship with leaders around the globe. Bruges where traffic- free streets are Heath shared Schuman’s commitment to filled with enchanted visitors in clip- peace in Europe. His experience of clopping horse-drawn carriages. In Tal- Did you Know? - - - No 3 fighting in Normandy in 1944 had con- lin, the history of the city is recorded in The Wyndham family took over the vinced him of the unspeakable horrors brass letters on the equivalent of the lease of Arundells in 1718. John of war. Heath’s vision extended beyond diagonal path that crosses our own Mar- Wyndham added the Georgian Facade Europe, westwards across the Atlantic ket Square. And that’s just a start. and gave the lease to his daughter, and eastwards towards China and Asia. Anne in 1750.

A Very Special Tree

When I was working in the garden at Having been nurtured all this time from Arundells last September I asked the a young cutting to what is now a very Curator, Stuart Craven, if he had a fa- fine tree it is well worth looking for vourite tree. “Yes”, he said, it was when you get a chance to visit the gar- Cryptomeria Japonica Elegans, the den. The species originates from Japan, Japanese Cedar. This tree was planted as its name would indicate, and has fine some 27 years ago as a tiny cutting in a feathery foliage giving interest through- large space in the garden. He said “I out the year. In the Spring it’s leaves are took cuttings at a Nursery I used to browny-green, moving on to the Au- work for in Surrey, and when I came to tumn when it is at its finest, its leaves work at Arundells, not having a garden then turn to a beautiful reddish-bronze of my own, I planted the small cutting as you can see in this photograph. in its current position. It seems to like it there and has survived all that Nature By Jean Carter (Volunteer Gardener). throws at it. It has to be propped up now as any heavy snow falls could break and snap off the trunk.” Cryptomeria Japonica Elegans

ISSUE 17 Page 5

From Humble Beginnings.....

When we look into the background of So from humble beginnings to become a reputation for his expertise. many well-known people who have talented Musician, Sailor and Statesman. achieved great things, how often we It leads one to conjecture whether he find that their start in life was very inherited such talents and skills directly Not all Politicians were born with a ordinary, unremarkable and often quite from his parents whose lives perhaps did silver spoon in their mouth as the gen- humble. not give them the opportunity to pursue eral public seem to assume today. Not them, or whether the nurturing he re- all went to Public School. Sir Edward’s

ceived from them and interested teachers achievements should inspire many Sir Edward was no exception. He was was the driving force which propelled Sir young people today to use their own born in 1916 in a little terraced house Edward into the career he achieved. resources and go forward with confi- in the seaside town of , However we look at it, he was an ex- dence to achieve what they want out of Kent to an ordinary working class fam- traordinary man, who worked hard and life. Stevie Paul ily. His father, William, was a carpen- ter and later had his own building firm. His mother, Edith, was a Lady’s maid and took in lodgers to make ends meet. The family would not have had a great deal of money and in those days send- ing a child to Grammar school would have entailed financial hardship for many such families. sending a child to Grammar Bright chil- school would have entailed dren might financial hardship for many get scholar- such families. ships to Grammar school but often the cost of the uniform was too much for them to be able to take up the place. Sir Edward’s parents enabled him not only to go to Grammar School but they encouraged and sup- ported him when he got a Music Schol- arship to Balliol College ,Oxford. How Broadstairs Quay from where the young Edward may have had his first sailing trip. proud they must have been. made the most of the opportunities he was given.

Perhaps he first gained an interest in We are on the web sailing in the tiny harbour in Broad- stairs, little changed from the one we www.thefriendsofarundells.org.uk see in the photo today. He may well have been taken for a sail in one of the many little boats kept by the Quay. Certainly, when he had the time and money to pursue this hobby later in life , he again achieved a

Editorial Contact Details Did you Know? - - - No 4 Anne Wyndham married James Ever- Editor...... Stevie Paul ard Arundell , of Wardour Castle, Email [email protected] Tisbury in 1752. The house formally, Tel. 07799 646136 / 01722 742987 59 The Close, was then given its name. The house in Broadstairs where Sir Edward was born in 1916.