Current News
Notes From the Chairman
Following the AGM and my usual plea for more volunteers, I am delighted to say that two people have stepped forward and offered to become Trustees. This is wonderful news and I would like to offer my congratulations to Margaret Winders and Mike Teasdale and welcome them on board. I am sure that they will find the involvement as Trustees and members of the Executive Committee interesting and rewarding. Many of you will know Margaret who is responsible for running (and stocking) the FoN Shop in the Nonsuch Gallery, and Mike Teasdale who, (after 8 years on Epsom & Ewell‘s Borough Council,) has just stepped down from the Chair of the Nonsuch Joint Management Committee (— so we could not ask for someone more committed to Nonsuch! ).
As I write this I have just returned home from Nonsuch where we have entertained (no tea or encouragement) the judges for the Heritage Park category of the South and South East in Bloom. Half an hour was allocated to us, but the judges arrived 15 minutes early and said that we only had 15 minutes. So a rapid tour ensued with Wendy and Gerald rushing them through and trying to show them everything. Well done to both of you and we hope that this year we might be successful.
We have also had news that the stucco panel is complete and arrangements are being made to hang it on the long wall, which is where most people felt it should go. Soon after you read this it should have been hung in the Nonsuch Gallery, thanks to Ian, and unveiled and become a major part of our exhibition. We are hoping that the Mayors of Epsom and Sutton will be able to attend the unveiling with attendant publicity.
The long-case clock is still being lovingly restored, but will not be returned to us until August at the earliest. That is something else to look forward to.
Whether you have had your holidays or still have them to come, I hope that the weather is kind and you enjoy them.
Tony Kerslake
As I write this I have just returned home from Nonsuch where we have entertained (no tea or encouragement) the judges for the Heritage Park category of the South and South East in Bloom. Half an hour was allocated to us, but the judges arrived 15 minutes early and said that we only had 15 minutes. So a rapid tour ensued with Wendy and Gerald rushing them through and trying to show them everything. Well done to both of you and we hope that this year we might be successful.
We have also had news that the stucco panel is complete and arrangements are being made to hang it on the long wall, which is where most people felt it should go. Soon after you read this it should have been hung in the Nonsuch Gallery, thanks to Ian, and unveiled and become a major part of our exhibition. We are hoping that the Mayors of Epsom and Sutton will be able to attend the unveiling with attendant publicity.
The long-case clock is still being lovingly restored, but will not be returned to us until August at the earliest. That is something else to look forward to.
Whether you have had your holidays or still have them to come, I hope that the weather is kind and you enjoy them.
Tony Kerslake
The Museum
The Service Wing Museum opened its doors for the summer on Monday, April 2nd and it will be open every 2nd and 4th Sunday (and all Bank Holidays) until 23rd September, after which it will close for the winter. So, if you have promised yourself (or your family) a visit this summer, make sure you come soon!
Help needed! Unfortunately we have recently lost several stewards for a variety of reasons. As a result of this I am finding it increasingly difficult to cover all the stations in the Museum. In particular I only have a few stewards available on one particular date. This is Sunday 26th August (and the next day which is a Bank Holiday Monday). I would be very grateful if anyone could spend some time helping on these dates – or any of the openings in September for that matter. The opening times are usually 2-5pm and can be divided into two slots of 2-3.30pm and 3.30 – 5pm. Please ring me (tel. 020 8644 2455) if you can help.
Wendy Mayes
Help needed! Unfortunately we have recently lost several stewards for a variety of reasons. As a result of this I am finding it increasingly difficult to cover all the stations in the Museum. In particular I only have a few stewards available on one particular date. This is Sunday 26th August (and the next day which is a Bank Holiday Monday). I would be very grateful if anyone could spend some time helping on these dates – or any of the openings in September for that matter. The opening times are usually 2-5pm and can be divided into two slots of 2-3.30pm and 3.30 – 5pm. Please ring me (tel. 020 8644 2455) if you can help.
Wendy Mayes
Working Party Report
How time flies! We will soon be coming to the end of another successful season for the Museum and Gallery and it will be time to put the Museum displays to bed -- but only after special openings for Heritage and national Open Days in September!
We have been busy as usual with the ongoing maintenance of the Service Wing. Lots and lots of small but essential jobs that require attention - painting windows, fence post repairs, replacement of lighting in the display cabinets, wood preserver on the bell 'tabernacle', etc. New donation boxes have been made.
The big event of the year was the purchase of a 'summer house', at the entrance to the Service Wing, to greet our visitors. Many thanks to everybody that helped to put it up and paint it with preservative. It is a huge improvement and the stewards who man it appreciate the more sheltered seating area and protection from the vagaries of the English weather.
Many thanks again to the Working Party ladies, who do such an amazing job inside and outside to keep the Museum and the Courtyard looking smart and welcoming for our visitors.
Another thank you for all the help we receive to set up for the school visits and our monthly talks. The selection of cakes after the talks, with a cup of tea, is so enjoyable. On one school visit, an eight year old boy announced to me that it was Jeffrey Wyatt, who was the architect of the Mansion House. A future volunteer?
Again, please if you have any time to spare and would like to come along to the Stable Block on a Thursday morning for a coffee and chat about what we do there, we would love to see you.
Ian Collins
We have been busy as usual with the ongoing maintenance of the Service Wing. Lots and lots of small but essential jobs that require attention - painting windows, fence post repairs, replacement of lighting in the display cabinets, wood preserver on the bell 'tabernacle', etc. New donation boxes have been made.
The big event of the year was the purchase of a 'summer house', at the entrance to the Service Wing, to greet our visitors. Many thanks to everybody that helped to put it up and paint it with preservative. It is a huge improvement and the stewards who man it appreciate the more sheltered seating area and protection from the vagaries of the English weather.
Many thanks again to the Working Party ladies, who do such an amazing job inside and outside to keep the Museum and the Courtyard looking smart and welcoming for our visitors.
Another thank you for all the help we receive to set up for the school visits and our monthly talks. The selection of cakes after the talks, with a cup of tea, is so enjoyable. On one school visit, an eight year old boy announced to me that it was Jeffrey Wyatt, who was the architect of the Mansion House. A future volunteer?
Again, please if you have any time to spare and would like to come along to the Stable Block on a Thursday morning for a coffee and chat about what we do there, we would love to see you.
Ian Collins
Bookstall Report
There has been an encouraging start to Bookstall sales this year and hopefully this will continue. As ever we require further help on the stall so if you have a few hours to spare please contact me on the number below. Many thanks to all those who have donated books; good quality paperbacks and hardbacks are always needed. I can arrange collection or books can be brought to the Service Wing on a Thursday morning (but please ring me beforehand if possible). Please phone me on 01372 725075. Thank you.
The Autumn 2-day Grand Book Sale will unfortunately not take place this year as arranging it involves a lot of work and commitment by a diminishing number of volunteers. If you would like to help with a future Grand Book Sale please get in touch with me (tel. 01372 725075).
Simon McArthur
The Autumn 2-day Grand Book Sale will unfortunately not take place this year as arranging it involves a lot of work and commitment by a diminishing number of volunteers. If you would like to help with a future Grand Book Sale please get in touch with me (tel. 01372 725075).
Simon McArthur
The Friends of Nonsuch (registered charity number: 1053923)
Enquiries to info@friendsofnonsuch.co.uk
Enquiries to info@friendsofnonsuch.co.uk