EUC Exeter Branch: EUC Annual Outing 2015

The 2015 Annual Outing will take place on Saturday 20th June at Hughenden Manor, a National Trust property in Buckinghamshire, north of High Wycombe. Set in the Chiltern Valley with fine views and woodland walks, it is an interesting stately home in several ways. It is said that the Victorian Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, fell in love with the place, and it remained in the family until acquired by the National Trust in 1947.

In the Manor are many memorabilia of his day and we can learn a lot about this extraordinary man. Even more extraordinary is that the house became the HQ of a top secret Second World War operation. The National Trust did not know this when they acquired the property, but the operation has been declassified and visitors will see artefacts and information about the operation. There will be half-an-hour talks on both Disraeli and the wartime operation, which will make the visit even more interesting.

More information is at hughenden@nationaltrust.org.uk or phone 01494 755565.

We start with the usual picnic in the grounds. Arrival is after 12pm. There is also a stable yard cafe, selling locally sourced hot meals, cakes and drinks. We can explore the house at our leisure until closing time at 5pm. For those who are keen to learn about the history, there is an introductory tour starting at 10.30am.

Further details of forthcoming Exeter Branch events can be found on the branch's website. To find out about membership and joining the club, please contact the Secretary, Mike Aspray at eucexeterbranch@gmail.com.