Painshill Park Trust appoints a new Director

Painshill Park Trust Ltd, is delighted to announce the appointment of Paul Griffiths as the new Director of the 158-acre, Grade I listed 18th century landscape garden.

On 5th November 2018, Paul Griffiths will take over the management of Painshill landscape garden in Cobham Surrey as Director. Paul comes with over 20 years’ experience within the leisure and heritage sectors and has recently been awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Business for services to Tourism, Heritage and Conservation.

Paul, whose previous positions include Head of Operations for the New Mary Rose Museum and working at a senior level for London Historic Properties at English Heritage, is thrilled about this new opportunity:

“I am delighted to have been appointed as Director at Painshill and can’t wait to get started in the role.  The landscape garden is sensational and as a visitor attraction it is a real hidden gem.  I very much look forward to working with the Trustees, staff and volunteers to develop and deliver a strategy which will enable Painshill to realise its full potential.”

Over the coming months the new Director will work with the board of Trustees to secure a sustainable future for Painshill as a major heritage attraction and education centre. With Paul’s expertise on board, the Trust is confident that Painshill, which has won many awards for its exemplary restoration will become recognised as one of the finest 18th century landscape gardens in Europe.

“We must increase visitor numbers so that many more people are able to enjoy Painshill and to ensure it will be preserved for the benefit of future generations.  Paul has an impressive career background and we are very pleased that he has joined our team of staff and volunteers who are dedicated to achieving that result,” says Richard Reay-Smith, Chairman of Painshill Park Trust.

 

Landscape Letters Autumn 2018

Dear Visitor

What a great year so far, fabulous sunshine, rain when required (sometimes) and then this glorious late sunshine we are currently enjoying.

We harvested the grapes a few weeks ago with the help of a willing band of volunteers, we estimate that this year’s crop was in the region of 4 tonnes – a massive increase on last year’s harvest of half a ton. In approximately 18 months time the wine will be returned and on sale in the shop – why not buy a bottle and give it a try? We will now start pruning the vines and preparing them for next year’s growth and fingers crossed for a good harvest.

Over the last few weeks we have cleared a number of overgrown areas of the landscape opening up lost views in the process. One of the most noticeable and significant views we have re-opened is from just before Woollett Bridge across to the Mausoleum. Stand on the slope running down to the bridge and look towards the Mausoleum and you should see the left-hand side of it across the lake. This view is extremely significant in the ‘journey’ around Hamilton’s Landscape as it gives a hint of what’s to come and pulls you along to the next structure. In addition, we have begun working on the view from the Gothic Pavilion to the Temple of Bacchus – this will require a lot more clearance and will take us a little while longer. Why not check on our progress over the next few months?

The Autumn colour this year is stunning with the Acer rubrum on the South side of the Chinese Bridge Peninsula looking gorgeous. It changes from green through red, orange, purple and reflects itself perfectly in the lake on a still day. Also, the Ash trees along the South Bank are displaying fiery shades of red as they go through their Autumn colour range.

We have removed the steps running up to the shop terrace due to maintenance issues. Removing them has solved this issue and improved the entrance route. The slope has been sown with grass seed and is greening up very nicely.

The harvest in the Kitchen Garden for this time of the year is bountiful with a bumper crop of pumpkins, squashes, leeks, chillies, peppers and cabbages. Some of this produce is being used by Hamilton’s Tearoom to create tasty seasonal dishes.

Don’t miss the Autumn colour, it is glorious. We recommend extending your walk to seek out the Hermitage, explore the Alpine Valley and bask in the sunshine by the Temple of Bacchus.

Best Wishes

The Landscape Garden Team

Princess Alice Hospice 5k Santa Fun Run

We are delighted to welcome Princess Alice Hospice to Painshill for their 5K Santa Fun Run on 25th November 2018.

It promises to be a festive treat for everyone, whether you choose to run, jog, walk or just stroll! As always this is a family friendly event so feel free to bring the whole family along including the dog (on a lead)! Join the fun with friends, family, colleagues, teams etc… and help raise the much needed funds for the free care and support Princess Alice Hospice provides to local families and communities when they need it most. To find out more and sign-up click here.

The 5K Santa Fun Run begins at: 9:30am (registration and warm ups), 10am (start)

Tickets costs 

Adults (16 and over):  £18
Children (5-15): £8
Under 5s: Free
20% DISCOUNT for all entries booked by 31 October 2018