Ufton Court Family Fun Open Day 2013
It has now been nearly 2 weeks since Ufton Court opened its doors to the public for our family fun Open Day and what a day to remember! Once a year the general public and the families of children who have visited Ufton Court on school trips get to have a taste of what their children get up to and see why so many go home with smiles on their faces. I also couldn’t resist bringing my entire family along to see why everyone enjoys Ufton so much.
This year, the sun was shining everyone was beaming from ear to ear as old and young a like took part in the huge variety of activities there was on offer. Julia, with the help of staff members and volunteers, organised a fantastic day that won’t be forgotten in a hurry.
Tudor Dancing in the Great Hall with Linda
Families got to explore the manor house and discover all the secrets that it holds, with long queues just to catch a glimpse of our priest holes which provided safety for many Catholic priests that were hunted by Elizabeth I’s army. One of our teachers, Linda also got everybody moving like the Tudors by teaching visitors traditional Tudor dances.
One little girl putting some serious elbow grease into grinding the flour
The Tudor activities carried on in our farm where Jude showed children just what it was like to be a Tudor farmer, giving them the chance to have a go at ploughing the ground and grinding flour. Families also got to meet our furry friends, meeting our friendly sheep, pigs and goats whilst our guinea pigs proved to be the most popular as the received many cuddles. I’m sure they absolutely loved all the attention they received.
My nephew giving tulip the guinea pig lots of cuddles
Many visitors were enticed into our Tudor Herb Garden by the wonderful smell of lavender. Robert and Julie were there to help give the history behind the garden whilst the children got stuck in making posy bags and admiring our freshly finished Tudor Chamomile Lawn.
Elsewhere in the grounds, there were outdoor activities including mountain biking, archery and a climbing wall all provided by Outdoor academy. My eldest nephew, who is only 4 years old, certainly got in to the spirit of it and tried his hand at Archery. I was told that he was very good so maybe we have a future archer in the family.
Outdoor Academy helping visitors, young and old, archery
Many families also took part in probably the most competitive event of the day, Ferret racing. Who knew ferrets could run so fast!? My nephew put his money on Brian to win and lucky for him Brian was the victor. He assures me that he will put the £1 he won in his piggy bank to be used at a later date.
Ferret racing!
To top the day off, we heard the sounds of the Tadley Brass Band in the background whilst families sat and enjoyed their picnics, ice creams and sweets, giving everyone one last memory for summer 2013 before the real autumnal weather sets in.
It certainly was a fantastic day and our biggest one yet with 2,500 visitors and raising £2,770 for our bursary fund. This helps children to be able to visit us who, without this fund, may not be able to experience the magic Ufton Court just like each and every family did at the Open Day. There is certainly no other place like Ufton.
Families relaxing in the barn area
written by Vikkie Nuttall
