Delapré Abbey invites people from the local community and beyond to help shape a new exhibition through sharing their memories, photos and footage of the historic Abbey’s gardens.
Anyone who is interested in getting involved is welcome to pop in to the Abbey on Sunday 16th October between 10am and 3:30pm and chat with the team who will be on hand to listen to your memories and experiences of the site.
Eleanor Sier, Head of Engagement and Interpretation said: “One of the best parts of my job is talking to the local community and helping to share their stories and fond memories of this wonderful historic site. This new exhibition, which is set to open next May, will celebrate this much-loved part of the site – the gardens.”
The Abbey sits within 550 acres of parkland so there is plenty of history to be explored surrounding how its green spaces have been utilised over the years. Its popular Walled Garden is commonly used today for volunteering and community projects and contains a number of sculptures, including Frank Dobson’s ‘Woman with a Fish’ which is widely considered to be one of the celebrated sculptors finest late pieces.
The House will also be open for free on Sunday 16th October (usual price £8 per adult) for visitors to explore and soak in its 900 years of turbulent history. A variety of tours will be running throughout the day, priced £8 per adult, including a tour exploring the lives of the women that lived at the Abbey, and a history tour led by the Abbey’s knowledgeable volunteers.
Outside in the grounds, visitors can see vintage, classic and specialist cars with Classics on the Lawn, which has been rescheduled from its original date in September. Entry is free with £2 for parking.
Those unable to attend on the day can share their memories or photos by emailing eleanor.sier@delapreabbey.org.
To find out more visit delapreabbey.org/events.
Photo courtesy Roger Lewry.
