British Hotchkiss Society
Past Events in 2023.
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The Autumn Closer
When: Sunday 3rd October
Where: Wiltshire
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Warm sunshine greeted some 30 members and friends on arrival at the picturesque Oaksey Park Golf Club near Kemble for coffee and really good cake. Some members came from far afield, for example Alan and Gill Goodyear from Leighton Buzzard, Fred and Anne Boothby (Somerset) and Christopher and Ann Balfour (Winchester).
Back in the cars, we took an enjoyable drive along country lanes to our “Surprise Visit”! For the next ninety minutes we were surrounded by a unique private collection of motor cycles, vintage and other cars and, best of all, a great many carriages from Victorian times, some wonderfully restored whilst others remained delightfully original. We felt privileged to have seen this reminder of times gone by. Further mileage by car brought us to the “Horse and Groom” at Charlton. We took our drinks into the attractive “Stables”, where one long table awaited us. A relaxed, happy lunch followed – it was 4 p.m. before members started to make a move for home. All in all, an absolutely excellent day – many thanks to our Organiser Tony Curtis, for all the trouble he took, especially in arranging that “Surprise Visit”!
August Pub Meet
When: Sunday 20th August
Where: Stanford Dingley
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Yet again the weather played ball and 27 of us met up for coffee in the garden of The Bull at Stanford Dingley. There is always plenty to talk about – and we were delighted to meet our new member Thomas Hotchkiss and his son Henry who had travelled all the way from Derbyshire. The Bull once again delivered an excellent lunch, after which we made our way to Two Hoots where tea, cakes, strawberries and cream were consumed with gusto.
Our thanks go to David and Erica for their wonderful hospitality.
June Run
When: 20th - 22nd June The Colwall Caper
Where: Herefordshire
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Daybreak on Tuesday did not augur well for the first day of our annual run – rain, lots of it. But as each participant drove towards the starting point – The Malvern Hills - the weather changed and granted us 3 days of sunshine. The starting point lunch got everyone off to a good start with excellent food, followed by a short drive to arrive at Eastnor Castle. Built in the early part of the 19th century, our guide led us through the interesting history of the castle. Our hotel for the stay was
again not very far away, nestling at the base of the Malvern Hills.
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Wednesday started very gently, with a lovely drive through Herefordshire passing through the lovely town of Ledbury and to our coffee stop at The Verzon House Hotel which has magnificent views over the surrounding area. This was followed by a short drive to The Walwyn Arms, Much Marcle for a light lunch. The afternoon visit was to Perrycroft House and Gardens just outside Ledbury. This visit was the star of the show. Designed by the architect CFA Voysey, it was built in 1895 for John W
Wilson, a member of parliament at that time. Set in the Malvern Hills with wonderful views over Herefordshire, the house was designed to bring the outside into the inside. A beautiful house and gardens, quite modern for those times, the current owner has retained most of the original features with added additions of modern art which co-habit comfortably together.
An excellent gala dinner followed that evening leading on to the last day Thursday which involved a visit to Croome, a National Trust property near Upton on Severn. With extensive gardens, exhibitions and museums, there was plenty to see. A short drive followed to our final lunch at the Swan in Hanley Swan. Thank you Michael and Helen for for organising this lovely three day event.​
Spring Opener
When: Sunday 20th April
Where: Cumnor
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20 members and friends, together with 4 Hotchkiss, met at the Old Flight House in Weston-on-the-Green for coffee, cake and retail therapy before driving 16 miles for lunch at the Bear and Ragged Staff, Cumnor. We had a room to ourselves and wonderful weather throughout. Thank you Michael for arranging this event.