On a cold but dry start to the day a group of fifteen of us humans and Wolfie the dog started The Montacute Day from Ham Hill Car Park for an initial two mile walk to Montacute. On the way we were shown the woodland community at Tinkers Hill and then on through a valley and woodland walk finally dropping down to Montacute.
One of our Group, Michael, had kindly offered a comfortable and warm sanctuary with tea provided for us to have our lunch stop. Some stopped at Michael's and some went on into Montacute House to the Cafe. Following the lunch stop we all moved on into the House and grounds - some went into the House and others joined Michael for a guided walk of the outside of the House and the grounds.
It was then time to head off through Montacute village towards Ham Hill and back to our cars. Unfortunately, the weather was turning and rain setting in, but we managed to get back before it became really wet.
Thanks to all who came along and hope you enjoyed the day. It was good to see some new people, also to see those who came along from the Dorset area, and very encouraging that there was a good number of people.
My thanks to Michael Ratsey for everything he did in making the day run smoothly, from the initial help advising me in putting the day together to hosting us at his home for the lunch break, and then the guided walk at the House.
Paul Jones