Current News
Notes From the Chairman
I always think that this is a lovely time of the year. Spring has sprung and the bulbs have seemed even better this year than usual. The work done by the Voles during the winter is beginning to show in the gardens and our Thursday morning Working Party has been preparing for our imminent (as I write) opening of the Museum. The work that our volunteers cheerfully undertake in so many different ways is quite amazing and our grateful thanks go to all of them.
Nonsuch is an oasis but not completely immune from the rest of the world as three recent events have shown. At the beginning of April we had a visit from the Farmer family when sixteen of them arrived for a private ceremony to unveil the plaque over the seat on the front of the bothy. This commemorated their losses of sons in the World War. Gerald had draped it in a Union Flag prior to the unveiling. After the ceremony they took tea in the Mansion, viewed the Museum and were wowed by the Model. It is good that they retain such interest in their former family home and we very much appreciate that.
Following the terror attack in Westminster I was invited to attend the Service of Hope and Reconciliation at Westminster Abbey. It really was an amazing service created at such short notice. The breadth of attendees of all faiths and their contribution does make us realize that, as the Very Reverend Dr John Hall said, “At a time of sorrow, a time when we are tempted to despair, may we find hope”. The service certainly gave us that.
On March 16th we had a visit from Prof. Jacqueline Bishop from New York University. Her family originated from Nonsuch, Jamaica and she had been deeply involved in a major history project there, bringing children from Nonsuch Primary School in Jamaica to New York. Then she found out about us. She took lots of information, including books, back with her and she was totally fascinated by Gerald’s depth of knowledge. With her Aunt and Grandfather, who has lived in Fulham for 60 years, they stayed for over three hours.
Her researches had led her to believe that ‘Nonesuch’ meant simply ‘no such place’ so we were able to extend her understanding by adding ‘like it’, in other words ‘Non pareil’ (No equal), as Francis I had called his new palace, spurring Henry VIII on to create his own jewel! We had a long discussion about how Nonsuch, Jamaica, was so named and suggested that it was probably after one of the many ships bearing that name that might have called there.
Jacqueline was staying in the Nonsuch Park Hotel, so I showed her our Nonsuch Primary School, the site of the Palace and Bourne Hall. I have also contacted the school on her behalf. We will hear more from her.
A year ago, in his last Notes from the Chairman, Gerald wrote that we are in advanced stages of negotiations for a lease. We have moved forward and have agreed the Heads of Terms and the Lease can now be drawn up, but how long that might take I have no idea.
Tony Kerslake
Nonsuch is an oasis but not completely immune from the rest of the world as three recent events have shown. At the beginning of April we had a visit from the Farmer family when sixteen of them arrived for a private ceremony to unveil the plaque over the seat on the front of the bothy. This commemorated their losses of sons in the World War. Gerald had draped it in a Union Flag prior to the unveiling. After the ceremony they took tea in the Mansion, viewed the Museum and were wowed by the Model. It is good that they retain such interest in their former family home and we very much appreciate that.
Following the terror attack in Westminster I was invited to attend the Service of Hope and Reconciliation at Westminster Abbey. It really was an amazing service created at such short notice. The breadth of attendees of all faiths and their contribution does make us realize that, as the Very Reverend Dr John Hall said, “At a time of sorrow, a time when we are tempted to despair, may we find hope”. The service certainly gave us that.
On March 16th we had a visit from Prof. Jacqueline Bishop from New York University. Her family originated from Nonsuch, Jamaica and she had been deeply involved in a major history project there, bringing children from Nonsuch Primary School in Jamaica to New York. Then she found out about us. She took lots of information, including books, back with her and she was totally fascinated by Gerald’s depth of knowledge. With her Aunt and Grandfather, who has lived in Fulham for 60 years, they stayed for over three hours.
Her researches had led her to believe that ‘Nonesuch’ meant simply ‘no such place’ so we were able to extend her understanding by adding ‘like it’, in other words ‘Non pareil’ (No equal), as Francis I had called his new palace, spurring Henry VIII on to create his own jewel! We had a long discussion about how Nonsuch, Jamaica, was so named and suggested that it was probably after one of the many ships bearing that name that might have called there.
Jacqueline was staying in the Nonsuch Park Hotel, so I showed her our Nonsuch Primary School, the site of the Palace and Bourne Hall. I have also contacted the school on her behalf. We will hear more from her.
A year ago, in his last Notes from the Chairman, Gerald wrote that we are in advanced stages of negotiations for a lease. We have moved forward and have agreed the Heads of Terms and the Lease can now be drawn up, but how long that might take I have no idea.
Tony Kerslake
Museum News
The Service Wing Museum opened its doors for the summer on Sunday, April 9th and again on Easter Monday, Sunday April 23rd and Monday May 1st (another Bank Holiday!). The Working Party have been spring-cleaning hard and our trusty Stewards will be into their stride and on hand to explain and demonstrate the details of the displays. This year’s menu theme is ‘BREAKFAST’, — the meals served from the sideboard and on a tray, are featured in the Kitchen.
In the Loose Box this year, there is a display showing the story of the Farmer family who lived in Nonsuch Mansion from the early 1800s until 1936, rising to the level of entertaining royalty here in the late 1880-90s.
The Nonsuch Palace Gallery has a full background to the earlier history of the estate in addition to the award-winning Model of Nonsuch Palace. The Nonsuch Gallery is open every Sunday afternoon, whether or not the Museum is open.
In the Loose Box this year, there is a display showing the story of the Farmer family who lived in Nonsuch Mansion from the early 1800s until 1936, rising to the level of entertaining royalty here in the late 1880-90s.
The Nonsuch Palace Gallery has a full background to the earlier history of the estate in addition to the award-winning Model of Nonsuch Palace. The Nonsuch Gallery is open every Sunday afternoon, whether or not the Museum is open.
Bookstall Report
Many thanks to all those who have donated books recently. Good quality hardbacks and paperbacks are always needed but, please, no Readers Digest or encyclopaedias. Please phone me (tel.no.01372 725075) to arrange collection or bring them along on a Thursday morning (although I would be grateful if you could telephone me beforehand). Thank you.
As ever, help on the bookstall would be appreciated, so if you think you can contribute a few hours when the Service Wing is open please contact me on the number above.
Simon McArthur
As ever, help on the bookstall would be appreciated, so if you think you can contribute a few hours when the Service Wing is open please contact me on the number above.
Simon McArthur
The Friends of Nonsuch (registered charity number: 1053923)
Enquiries to info@friendsofnonsuch.co.uk
Enquiries to info@friendsofnonsuch.co.uk
