October 31st 2018
The Bow Society were treated to a very special day at The Grange, Northington, at the end of October thanks to Peter Tilley (a, 1964). He suggested that we would have an entertaining day exploring the house and the setting for the annual opera festival, and we were certainly not disappointed.
The Grange Festival General Manager, Michael Moody, gave us a fascinating tour of the house. Michael explained the stipulation that the house should not be renovated in order that the structure and the history of the building is evident to visitors; hence the nature of the setting. We were able to see how the original house had been modified to suit the fashions of its owners throughout history, and how it currently functions to serve the annual festival of opera and dance; complete with dressing rooms in the basement.
One highlight was to step onto the stage, and when Michael was asked if the revolving stage was functioning, he proceeded to set it in motion with many of the guests in tow! Truly a memorable experience.
Our tour was followed by an excellent lunch, in extremely convivial company and an update on the School from Adrian Ballard, Head of the Foundation. Amongst other news, Adrian commented on the health of the Music department, highlighting that a Fourth Former had recently attained his ATCL Diploma, one of nine to be awarded to boys in the School over the past year. In addition, an indicator of recent academic achievements was mentioned in relation to a boy who had taken his IGCSE in Further Maths during the summer and received a letter from the exam board to congratulate him on not dropping a single mark.
After the event, guests wrote to express how much they had enjoyed the day:
“The setting was certainly different, but the tour was fascinating, the food delicious and the conversations with new people both interesting and nostalgic.” “As always impeccably organised, delightful company and well worthwhile.” “We all had a thoroughly good day, with a fascinating tour of the house and the opera house by Michael Moody, and a super lunch provided by the Grange, as well as the usual enjoyable camaraderie.”
