A visit to the lovely Llanerchaeron NT House & Gardens kicked off the Western Midlands Group weekend based at nearby Aberystwyth.

As many had undertaken long journeys, we gathered first for refreshments at the onsite café, with friends old and new greeting each other.  We were joined for part of the visit by Jenny, who had been a volunteer at Llanerchaeron and who kindly shared some of her knowledge of the place.

We took a leisurely stroll to the walled garden, to hear about the collection of Welsh heritage fruit trees, and admired the different types of training used. The unusual concrete framework of some of the glasshouses were pointed out and we also drooled over some very tasty looking redcurrants, sadly inaccessible in a fruit cage.

We saw the fine farm buildings and a guide told us about the collection of farm machinery and carriages on display. We met a very friendly turkey who was quite an attraction and also seemed quite taken with us.

Next we walked around the lake, before reaching the front of the house. The café beckoned for some, whilst others toured the house.  A very helpful guide told us about it’s history and tales of the Lewis family who lived there.

As is usually the case with such visits, the pace is very relaxed and smaller groups often venture off in different directions, with an arrangement to regroup at a specified time, usually at the café. I am always pleased to see how quickly people who have never met before are soon chatting like old friends and getting to know each other.

Soon it was time to depart, which most making their way to Aberystwyth. It was a most enjoyable visit!

Some photo credits to Paul Ashcroft